ECOWAS member states adopt new measures to fight human trafficking
ECOWAS member states have agreed to strengthen anti-trafficking efforts, expand victim support, and integrate child protection into their national action plans. These decisions were reached after the body’s 17th Annual Review Meeting of the Regional Network of National Focal Institutions Against Trafficking in Persons Plus (RNNI-TIP+) concluded in Lagos on Friday. Chairman of the meeting, […]
ECOWAS member states have agreed to strengthen anti-trafficking efforts, expand victim support, and integrate child protection into their national action plans.
These decisions were reached after the body’s 17th Annual Review Meeting of the Regional Network of National Focal Institutions Against Trafficking in Persons Plus (RNNI-TIP+) concluded in Lagos on Friday.
Chairman of the meeting, Mr. Dehunge Shiaka, Executive Director of Sierra Leone’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons Agency, said the gathering allowed member states to exchange progress reports, share challenges, and agree on practical steps to tackle trafficking across the sub-region. Sierra Leone currently chairs the ECOWAS network.
“From what was discussed, we came to the understanding that migration remains one of the driving forces of human trafficking,” Shiaka said. “Member states identified transit routes where migrants are trapped in exploitative situations, and destination countries were urged to take additional measures to reduce irregular flows.”
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He noted that participants also recommended that national counter-trafficking strategies address related crimes such as violence against children and gender-based violence.
“Awareness and public education were highlighted as key recommendations, especially at the community level, to prevent citizens from falling prey to traffickers,” he added. On monitoring progress, Shiaka explained that ECOWAS uses administrative data submitted annually by member states to compile a regional synthesis report.
“The 2024 report served as the benchmark for this year. The actions we take now will inform the next synthesis report with recommendations for more effective responses,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr. Tunde Olayemi, Head of the ECOWAS Programme on Trafficking in Persons, outlined the key resolutions adopted, which include strengthening victim identification, improving cross-border law enforcement coordination, and expanding organisational capacity assessments in member states.
He disclosed that ECOWAS is working with international partners to provide targeted support through the Demand-Driven Facility, a financial mechanism that helps countries close specific gaps in their anti-trafficking response profiles.
“Between one review meeting and the next, member states are expected to implement their identified priorities in line with national action plans, while ECOWAS coordinates technical and financial support,” Olayemi said.