Archbishop Kaigama impressed by the Nigerian Government’s shelters for survivors of human trafficking.

Delphine Asu – Abuja Nigeria.

The Christmas visit was organised by the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), which is in partnership with NAPTIP to curb human trafficking through the work of the Action Against Trafficking in Persons Cluster.

Every Christmas, the Archdiocese of Abuja reaches out to the less privileged of society to ensure that they, too, experience the joy of the Christmas season. This year, it was the survivors of human trafficking who had the privilege of a Christmas visit from Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama.

Deeply impressed by Government’s efforts

Speaking to the delighted children and young adults at the shelter, Archbishop Kaigama spoke of his delight in seeing the efforts of the Nigerian Government through NAPTIP.

“As I see you here, I see progress. I am deeply impressed that a branch of government is concerned about our little ones. You, our little ones, are exposed to danger for no fault of your own. I am happy to see that there are people ready to defend you. They are also ready to see to your welfare. That is what NAPTIP is doing, so I congratulate NAPTIP. These children are the future. They are the hope, the promise for a better Nigeria. So none of them should be lost. None of them should be neglected. I know NAPTIP, but I didn’t know there was such a shelter … I now have seen it, and I will talk about it,” promised Archbishop Kaigma.

Chairman of the JDPC, Joseph Abaagu, emphasised the Commission’s dedication to upholding the values of humanity. During an interview with the local press, the Executive Director of JDPC, Fr Solomon Okoh, spoke on what motivated them to organise the Archbishop’s Christmas visit.

The NAPTIP shelters in Nigeria

A representative of NAPTIP, Angela Agbayeahai, called for more collaboration in tackling the menace of human trafficking.

Among its many services, Nigeria’s NAPTIP runs various sections, departments and units in its efforts to tackle the scourge of human trafficking. The shelter management agency operates ten shelters across Nigeria. Most of them are transit shelters. Those housed at the shelters are usually rescued trafficked persons. Services offered at these shelters include provision of food, clothing, regular hygiene products, physical exercises and basic educational courses.