LAGOS GOVERNOR BABAJIDE FASHOLA
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and the rising “japa” syndrome through stronger collaboration with federal agencies and international partners.
This renewed commitment was the focus of a sensitization programme themed “Partnership for Protection: Safeguarding Public Servants Against Trafficking and Unsafe Migration,” held in Lagos yesterday.
A Collective Fight Against Human Trafficking
The event, organised by the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
The forum aimed to educate public servants on the dangers of irregular migration and the deceptive recruitment tactics often used by traffickers, particularly through social media and online job platforms.
“Japa Mentality” and Its Dangers
Speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Olugbenga Oyerinde, described human trafficking as “a modern form of slavery that undermines human dignity and exploits economic vulnerability.”
He cautioned against the growing belief that success can only be achieved abroad, calling it a misguided perception that fuels unsafe migration.
“The mindset that travelling out of the country is the only way to succeed is an erroneous belief,” Oyerinde said. “While migration is a global phenomenon, many who embark on unsafe journeys become victims of trafficking and exploitation.”
Oyerinde highlighted the ongoing work of the Lagos State Task Force Against Human Trafficking, established five years ago, which continues to collaborate with NAPTIP and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to strengthen public awareness and support prosecutions.
He also praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to citizen welfare and social inclusion, assuring that the state government remains steadfast in promoting safe migration practices and protecting residents from exploitation.
“Advocacy and Collaboration Are the Solutions”
In a chat with reporters, Oyerinde reaffirmed that both state and federal governments are united in their resolve to protect citizens and prevent further loss of lives.
“As a state working with the Federal Government through NiDCOM, we have carried out several collaborations to bring many Nigerians back home,” he said. “The only lasting solution is continuous advocacy. People have been deceived into dangerous situations, including war zones, and many have lost their lives to the japa syndrome. If you do not have anything meaningful to do abroad, there is no need to leave. You can achieve success anywhere with hard work and expertise.”
Lawmakers Call for Tougher Measures
Also speaking, Dr. Rauf Age-Sulaiman, Chairman Lagos house of Assembly Committee on Special Relations, called for stronger action against trafficking networks, noting that young people are the most affected due to their drive to seek opportunities abroad.
“Trafficking is an offence, and we are wholeheartedly committed to dismantling these syndicates,” he said. “Migration is not bad in itself, but it must be done responsibly. We are ensuring that adequate resources are available to empower youth and make irregular migration less attractive.”
Strengthening Coordination and Modern Tools
In her goodwill message, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, emphasized the need for stronger coordination between federal and state governments in tackling the root causes of human trafficking and unsafe migration.
She also underscored the importance of adopting modern technology and intelligence tools to identify and intercept trafficking networks before they harm more Nigerians.
Lagos and its partners are sending a clear message — collaboration, not desperation, is the way forward. Migration can open doors, but when done unsafely, it can cost lives.
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