Anti-human trafficking Bill: Group commends passage, wants Obaseki’s urgent assent

The Network of CSOs Against Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration has urged Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, to urgently sign the bill against human trafficking into law.

The bill was recently passed by the State House of Assembly.

President of Network of CSOs Against Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration (NCAHT) Jennifer Ero however commended the House of Assembly for its speedy passage of the bill.

“The lawmakers have done well. History will forever remember them. We also thank the Executive Governor of Edo State Mr. Godwin Obaseki for sending the bill to the house for passage. We hope that since the bill is the Governor’s brain Child, the signing and subsequent implementation of the law won’t be a challenge.”

She said when assented by the governor, “the law would go a long way in addressing human trafficking and illegal migration as well as related crime in the state.

“Traffickers now know the era of impunity is over. We will follow up with the bill till it is signed into law and ensure convicted traffickers are prosecuted, Jennifer Ero assured.

She decried slavery and exploitation of Nigerian youths, noting that the Anti Human Trafficking Bill, when signed into law, would empower the task Force Against Human Trafficking and illegal migration to prosecute traffickers and those linked to them including parents who lure their children and wards to be trafficked.

The President of NCAHT added: “We appreciate Governor Godwin Obaseki for rising up against Human trafficking in the state. Obaseki is the first Governor to openly accept that the issue of Human trafficking is Evil in our land, we commend his sacrifice and commitment. He’s given hope to the hopeless who are the victims of Human trafficking.”

But she however noted, “more needed to be done in the area of welfare support to the returnees in which many are still waiting to be reintegrated. We are hopeful that the promise made by the governor to the 150 returnees last year will be fulfilled and have access to the land and seed grant to start up their agro business. An idle mind is the devil’s workshop. NCAHT will continue to support your good works as we complement your efforts.

Thousands of Nigerian youths have reportedly perished while being ferried from Nigeria through the Sahara Desert to Libya with Federal government of Nigeria and IOM/EU and have assisted to return 2,150 and EU/IOM 7, 500 respectively totaling 9, 650 in the last one year.