The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons(NAPTIP) is a law enforcement agency established to tackle human trafficking in Nigeria. NAPTIP was established in 2003 under the Ministry of Justice.

Following the high rate of human trafficking in Nigeria, Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF) pushed for a law to be passed against human trafficking in Nigeria. A federal bill on Trafficking in Persons(Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act was passed on July 14, 2003.

Departments and Units in NAPTIP

After the establishment of NAPTIP in 2003, eight departments and six units were created under the agency to ensure the smooth running of the agency. The eight departments in NAPTIP are:

• Investigation and Monitoring.

• Legal and Prosecution.

• Counseling & Rehabilitation.

• Public Enlightenment.

• Research and Programmes Development

• Training and Manpower Development.

• Administration.

• Finance and Accounts.

While the units in NAPTIP are:

• Procurement

• Press and Public Relations.

• Intelligence and International Cooperation.

• Audit.

• Reforms.

• Rapid Response Squad (RRS)

Objective and Functions of NAPTIP

The Objective of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has the primary objective of enforcing the Trafficking in Persons(Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act (TIPPEA) in Nigeria.

1. NAPTIP is charged with the co-ordination and enforcing of all other laws on Trafficking in persons and related offences

2. Adopt effective measures for the prevention and eradication of trafficking in persons and related offenses

3. Establish co-ordinated preventive, regulatory and investigatory machinery geared towards the eradication of trafficking in persons

4. Investigate all cases of trafficking in persons including forced labour, child labour, forced prostitution, exploitative labour and other forms of exploitation, slavery and slavery – like activities, bonded labour, removal of organs, , sale and purchase of persons

5. Encourage and facilitate the availability and participation of persons who voluntarily, consent to assist in investigations or proceedings relating to trafficking in persons and related offenses

6. Enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement agents and other partners in the suppression of trafficking in persons

7. Create public enlightenment and awareness through seminars, workshops, publications, radio and television programmes and other means aimed at educating the public on the dangers of trafficking in persons

8. Establish and maintain communications to facilitate rapid exchange of information concerning offences under this Act

9. Conduct research and strengthen effective legal means of international co-operation in suppressing trafficking in persons

10. Implement all bilateral and multilateral treaties and conventions on trafficking in persons adopted by Nigeria

11. Strengthen co-operation and conduct joint operations with relevant law enforcement and security agencies, international authorities and other relevant partners in the eradication of trafficking in persons

12. Co-ordinate, supervise and control the protection, assistance and rehabilitation of trafficked persons and all functions and activities relating to investigation and prosecution of all offences connected with or relating to trafficking in persons

13. Adopt measures to identify, trace, freeze, confiscate or seize proceeds, property, funds or other assets derived from trafficking in persons or related offenses

14. Conduct research on factors responsible for internal and external trafficking in persons and initiate programmes and strategies aimed at the prevention and elimination of the problem

15. Facilitate rapid exchange of scientific and technical information concerning or relating to trafficking in persons

16. Collaborate with government bodies both within and outside Nigeria whose functions are similar to those of the Agency in the area of the movement of proceeds or properties derived from trafficking in persons and other related offenses

17. Exchange of personnel and other experts, identities, location and activities of persons suspected of being involved in trafficking in persons and other related offenses

18. Establish and maintain a system for monitoring trans-border activities relating to trafficking in persons in order to identify suspicious movements and persons involved

19. Deal with matters connected with the extradition and deportation of persons involved in trafficking in persons and other mutual legal assistance between Nigeria and any other country in trafficking in persons, subject to the supervision of the Minister

20. Initiate, develop and improve special training programmes for personnel of the Agency and relevant law enforcement agents charged with the responsibility of detecting offences created under the NAPTIP Act.