Governor Sanwo-olu Calls for Stronger Global Partnership to Combat Human Trafficking, Migrant Smuggling
4 min read
Governor Sanwo-olu Calls for Stronger Global Partnership to Combat Human Trafficking, Migrant Smuggling
By Primetime Reports
🌿 Ruzu Non-Alcoholic Herbal Bitters
Ruzu Non-Alcoholic Herbal Bitters is a natural health supplement specially formulated to:
- âś… Promote general wellness
- âś… Detoxify the body
- âś… Support the treatment of various ailments
Made from a powerful blend of 100% organic and medicinal herbs, Ruzu is completely alcohol-free, making it ideal for:
- đź‘Ş All age groups
- 🌱 Health-conscious individuals
- 🌿 Anyone seeking non-alcoholic herbal remedies
Whether you're looking to boost your vitality, cleanse your system, or support healing the natural way, Ruzu Bitters offers a trusted herbal solution.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has called for deeper global collaboration and shared accountability in tackling the rising scourge of migrant smuggling and human trafficking across African and European routes.
He made the call while delivering his opening remarks at the 2-day Joint Thematic Meeting of the Rabat, Khartoum, and Niamey Processes, held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.
The high-level continental meeting, themed “Enhancing Prevention, Protection and Prosecution Frameworks in Combating Migrant Smuggling and Trafficking in Human Beings along African and European Routes, brought together representatives of African governments, European partners, and international agencies working on migration management and human rights protection.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlede, described the gathering as a pivotal moment in the collective journey toward safeguarding human dignity and advancing humane, coordinated migration governance.
“We are here for a crucial cause: to strengthen our shared commitment against migrant smuggling and human trafficking. Two serious offenses that put lives at risk, destabilize communities, and strip away human dignity,” the Governor said.
Citing statistics from Europol, he noted that nearly 90 percent of irregular migration to Europe is facilitated by smuggling networks or criminal syndicates that prey on human vulnerability, exposing migrants, especially women and children to exploitation, forced labour, and sexual abuse.
He commended the Rabat, Khartoum, and Niamey Processes for serving as vital continental platforms linking governments, organizations, and partners in a transregional network of response, stressing that the challenges of migration evolve across borders and require constant adaptation and cooperation.
“As the current Chair of the Rabat Process, Nigeria stands at the forefront of the Euro-African dialogue on migration and development. And Lagos State, as a global city that symbolizes resilience, opportunity, and mobility, reaffirms its commitment to lead by example,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
He explained that Lagos is actively integrating migration management into its broader human development strategies, strengthening institutions, and expanding partnerships with federal and international agencies, including the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI).
Highlighting the three central pillars of the meeting – Prevention, Protection, and Prosecution, Sanwo-Olu underscored the importance of addressing root causes such as poverty, insecurity, and climate-induced displacement, while ensuring that victims receive care, justice, and rehabilitation.
“This fight is not just about enforcement; it is about fostering hope. People migrate in search of dignity and better opportunities. Our collective responsibility is to make those dreams attainable through safe, legal, and humane pathways,” he added.
The Governor emphasized that no nation can address the crisis of trafficking and smuggling in isolation, calling on all delegates to transform political commitments into concrete, measurable actions that protect the most vulnerable and dismantle criminal networks.
While formally declaring the Joint Thematic Meeting open, Sanwo-Olu expressed appreciation to the NCFRMI, international partners, and all delegates present, describing their work as a beacon of hope for thousands who are vulnerable, displaced, or exploited.
Representing the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe G. Yilwatda, the Honourable Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Hon. Tijjani Aliyu Ahmed, reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership role in promoting humane migration governance across Africa and Europe.
He noted that Nigeria, as Chair of the Rabat Process, remains deeply committed to ensuring safe and regular migration while combating trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.
The Minister revealed that through the NCFRMI and in partnership with international organizations such as the IOM and UNHCR, Nigeria continues to receive no fewer than 150 returnees weekly from North Africa, many of whom have survived trafficking or smuggling ordeals.
According to him, “migration, when well-managed, is a force for development but when left in the hands of traffickers and smugglers, it becomes a tragedy. Our responsibility as governments and partners is to make sure migration remains safe, regular, orderly and dignified”.
The Minister commended Lagos for hosting the high-level meeting, describing the city as a symbol of opportunity, resilience, and compassion, aptly recognised by the UNHCR as a Refugee Friendly City.
He also applauded the State Government’s pioneering efforts in establishing one of Nigeria’s first State Anti-Trafficking Task Forces, which continues to serve as a model for inter-agency collaboration and community-based action.
He expressed appreciation to the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), the Government of France, and other partners for their steadfast support, pledging that Nigeria will continue to work closely with member states to transform shared commitments into tangible results that protect human lives and strengthen justice systems across borders.
Also delivering remarks were key international and regional dignitaries, including the Ambassador of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, H.E. Gautier Mignot; ECOWAS Head of Social Affairs Division, Fernando Jorge Alves d’Almanda; Head of Region–Pan Africa, International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), Monica Zanette; Nigeria Representative at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Cheik Ousmane Toure; and Ambassador in charge of Migration, Ambassador Cyrille Baumgartner.
Other notable attendees included the Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and top officials of the Lagos State Government, alongside representatives from international development agencies and civil society groups.
About The Author
