Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has strongly condemned modern-day slavery and human trafficking following the rescue of 10 Nigerian girls trafficked to Ghana under the guise of employment as sales girls.
Dabiri-Erewa addressed the issue during her visit to Ghana, where she met the rescued girls. She commended Chief Calistus Elozieuwa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of NiDCOM in Ghana, and his team for their swift action.
According to a statement released by Gabriel Odu of NiDCOM’s Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit, Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the urgent need for a permanent solution to eradicate human trafficking in Nigeria, declaring, “We must declare war against human traffickers.”
She urged parents to be vigilant about their children’s whereabouts, especially when they are taken away by relatives or friends, and called for collective efforts to identify and arrest traffickers.
Dabiri-Erewa stated that the rescued girls would be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), which would facilitate their return to their respective states for comprehensive counseling and rehabilitation.
Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Amb. Adeoye Ifedayo, praised the efforts of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) in Ghana and stressed the importance of eradicating human trafficking. The event was also attended by representatives of the Imo State Governor, including Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu, and Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Nkechinyere Ugwu.Additionally, the Eze Igbo of Ghana, Chukwudi Ihenetu, and other NIDO officials were present.
Amara Iwuanyanwu reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare and rehabilitation of the rescued girls. Similarly, the Plateau State Governor’s representative, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, pledged full support for the girls’ rehabilitation.
The delegation also engaged with senior officials of the Ghanaian Police, who promised complete cooperation in the fight against human trafficking. The intervention followed a viral report by NIDO in Ghana, which alerted NiDCOM and prompted the rescue operation.
