The Government of Canada has donated two four-wheel drive vehicles to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to help fight human trafficking in Nigeria.
Canadian Ambassador to Nigeria, Jamie Christoff formally handed over the vehicle to NAPTIP Executive Director, Fatima Waziri-Azi in Abuja on Wednesday.
The donation was made under the auspices of a capacity-building program funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
It was delivered by the ARK Group, a social enterprise that empowers local communities through sustainable interventions.
The IRCC was Canada’s government agency responsible for immigration, refugee protection, and citizenship services.
IRCC facilitates the arrival of immigrants, protects refugees, and promotes the value of Canadian citizenship.
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At the ceremony, Christoff said the gesture was an important step in stepping up the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria.
The envoy said:
“What I am very happy to do today before you is to present the director-general with delivery notices and instructions for two new vehicles that will help deploy NAPTIP staff in investigating human trafficking.”
He praised the Executive Director and his team for their successes so far.
He explained that the vehicle was ruggedly built to allow NAPTIP agents to reach troubled trafficking areas.
In response, Waziri-Azi thanked the Canadian government for its action and promised that the vehicles would be used judiciously.
Waziri-Azi said:
“This collaboration with NAPTIP started in 2020 during COVID-19.
“We hope to keep enhancing our relationship, and we are glad to receive these two brand-new vehicles, which have made our office environment look bigger.”
NAPTIP Secretary also emphasized the need for close cooperation between Nigeria and Canada to sustain the global fight against human trafficking.
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