Speaker urges Nigeria-Italy partnership to fight human trafficking
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria and Italy to tackle human trafficking, especially the trafficking of Nigerian women to Europe. Abbas made this appeal during a meeting with the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Roberto Mengoni, in Abuja. He highlighted the longstanding issue of trafficking routes between Nigeria and Italy and stressed the need for both countries to intensify efforts to eradicate the problem. Abbas also expressed interest in expanding bilateral relations beyond migration, focusing on areas such as health, education, and economic cooperation.
What we know
- Tajudeen Abbas emphasized that Italy remains a major destination for Nigerian migrants and a key route for traffickers exploiting vulnerable Nigerians.
- He noted that Nigeria has 137,000 migrants residing in Italy and described human trafficking as a significant stigma for both countries.
- The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has identified Edo State and parts of southern Nigeria as major recruitment hubs for trafficking operations targeting Europe.
- Abbas mentioned the establishment of parliamentary friendship groups with 78 countries, including Italy, to deepen diplomatic ties.
- Roberto Mengoni stated that the Italian Embassy is committed to strengthening political, cultural, and commercial relations with Nigeria and highlighted the importance of democratic governance and the rule of law.
