The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has launched reforms to strengthen its human resource framework and enhance safe and orderly migration in Nigeria. The initiative is part of broader efforts to modernize the agency and align with national public service standards, was showcased during a workshop in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
The workshop organized by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) in partnership with NAPTIP and supported by the Ministry of Asylum and Migration of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the workshop seeks to harmonize the agency’s Scheme of Service, Conditions of Service, and organizational structure. The aim is to reflect NAPTIP’s current operational realities, strengthen accountability, and boost staff motivation and productivity.
Speaking at the workshop, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Lami Adamu Bello, OON, declared that the gathering presents a valuable opportunity for the agency to collectively refine and validate the consultant’s draft reports. She emphasized that the process is designed to ensure all recommendations align with public service standards while addressing NAPTIP’s operational realities.
“This workshop therefore presents us with an opportunity to collectively assess, refine, and validate the consultant’s draft reports, ensuring that every recommendation reflects the operational realities of NAPTIP while aligning with the Public Service Rules and directives of the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF),” she stated.
DG Bello described the review as a strategic move to strengthen NAPTIP’s institutional framework and enhance its capacity to combat human trafficking, protect victims, and promote safe and orderly migration.
“This workshop marks a significant step in our ongoing efforts to strengthen the institutional framework of NAPTIP to better deliver on our mandate of combating human trafficking, protecting victims, and promoting safe and orderly migration.”
She further highlighted the need for HR reform and alignment, noting that as NAPTIP grows in scope and operations, its internal systems and governance frameworks must evolve to ensure efficiency, accountability, and staff motivation.
“As we grow, so must our internal systems, processes, and governance frameworks. A well-defined Scheme and Conditions of Service remain the bedrock of an efficient and motivated workforce.”
Acknowledging the support of ICMPD, DG Bello urged consultants and officials to approach the exercise with openness and responsibility, underlining the importance of collaborative effort in shaping the future of the agency’s HR management.
“To our Consultants and the NAPTIP officials present here, I urge you to approach this exercise with open minds and a deep sense of responsibility. The quality of outcomes from this workshop will shape the future of our human resource management and, by extension, our ability to deliver effectively on our core mandate.”
She concluded by outlining the expected outcome: a harmonized and updated HR framework that clearly defines organizational structure, supports career progression, promotes staff welfare, and enhances overall productivity.
“At the end of this process, I expect to see a harmonized and updated HR framework that clearly defines our organizational structure, supports career progression, promotes staff welfare, and enhances productivity.”
Earlier in the workshop, the Head of Mission of ICMPD in Nigeria, Ms. Isabelle Wolfsgruber, reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to partnering with government agencies to scale up efforts against human trafficking and violence in Nigeria. She also thanked the Ministry of Asylum and Migration of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for its support.
The workshop was described as a key step in NAPTIP’s ongoing efforts to modernize its human resource management systems and ensure that the agency is well-positioned to meet its growing mandate effectively.
