The Senate has ordered an investigation into travel agencies suspected of facilitating the trafficking and exploitation of Nigerians in Libya, and called for tougher enforcement of anti-trafficking laws.
The resolution followed the adoption of a report on the need to protect Nigerians from trafficking, slavery and human rights abuses in Libya during plenary on Tuesday.
Presenting the report on behalf of the joint committees on Diaspora, Judiciary, Foreign Affairs and Special Duties, Senator Anthony Yaro (Gombe South) said the recommendations were aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s response to trafficking, protecting victims and dismantling criminal networks.
Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) supported the report, which also urged increased funding for the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and other relevant agencies.
The Senate directed NAPTIP to work with the Police, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to interrogate directors, officers and agents of the identified travel agencies.
The probe is expected to uncover the recruitment networks, financial transactions and travel arrangements linked to the trafficking and exploitation of Nigerians abroad.
Lawmakers also resolved to set up a national protection and reintegration programme for returning victims. The programme will be coordinated by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, in collaboration with NAPTIP.
They further urged the Federal Government to step up diplomatic engagement with Libya, through bilateral and multilateral channels, to combat trafficking and promote safe, legal migration.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Neda Imasuen (Edo South) said Nigeria’s problem was not a lack of laws but the failure to enforce them and hold offenders accountable.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for tougher measures to deter trafficking and other serious crimes.
Recalling his time as Akwa Ibom State governor, Akpabio said he signed an anti-kidnapping law that prescribed the death penalty and the forfeiture of properties where kidnapped victims were found.
He also advocated a strict Know-Your-Tenant policy, arguing that landlords should be able to provide information on their tenants when crimes are committed on their premises.
Akpabio warned that landlords who fail to account for their tenants could be treated as accomplices in criminal activities.
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