Some stakeholders in the campaign against human trafficking have called for stronger collaboration by stakeholders to tackle the menace.
The stakeholders made the call in a communique issued Wednesday at the end of a two-day workshop by the Committee for the Support of Dignity of Women.
The workshop, which brought together, law enforcement officers and other key stakeholders was organised with funding from Conrad Hilton Foundation, USA.
It had as theme, ‘The Role of Law Enforcement Agencies in the Prevention of Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration in Edo State.’
They held that stronger collaboration is necessary to ensure a more coordinated and effective campaign against human trafficking and irregular migration.
The stakeholders also said that there is the need to prescribe stricter penalties for those found culpable of trafficking and irregular migration.
“There is the need for enhanced support to victims. It is also important to ensure continued training for law enforcement personnel and other stakeholders.
“Stakeholders need to stay updated on current trends in trafficking networks and migration patterns.
“The presence of NAPTIP officers should be strengthened at border posts, airports and seaports for effective anti-trafficking efforts at these key transit points,” the communique reads in part.
The stakeholders noted that poverty and lack of opportunities are pushing young people into the hands of traffickers.
They said massive job creation and skills acquisition programmes would make trafficking and irregular migration less attractive.
The stakeholders urged the private sector to support ongoing anti-trafficking efforts through corporate social responsibility initiatives.
