By Oluwakemi Kindness
The National Council of Child Rights Advocates of Nigeria (NACCRAN) has raised concerns over the repatriation of trafficked Nigerian girls from Mali and other West African countries.
NACCRAN made the submission before the House of Representatives Committee on Humanitarian Services in Abuja on Wednesday, calling for stronger coordination, transparency and accountability in efforts to rescue and reintegrate victims.
The group’s Operation Consultant on Diaspora Issues, Adefioye Gbolagade-Simeon, told lawmakers that his organisation identified challenges affecting the return of vulnerable Nigerians during a fact-finding mission to Mali.
Simeon alleged that some rescued victims faced delays before returning to Nigeria and called for a review of the processes involved in repatriation exercises.
He urged the National Assembly to strengthen collaboration among the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), security agencies and humanitarian organisations.
Chairman of the House Committee on Humanitarian Services, Rep. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, said bringing victims home is only the first step, stressing the need for rehabilitation, psychosocial support and sustainable reintegration.
She said the committee would continue to support measures aimed at protecting Nigerians vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation abroad.
NACCRAN’s claims were presented before lawmakers, while responses from relevant government agencies are being awaited.
