ICMPD and NAPTIP Launch Intensive 2026 Strategy Workshop to Combat Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence Across Nigeria

NAPTIP and ICMPD launch a 2026 training workshop in Asaba for CSOs to combat human trafficking (TIP) and violence (VAP). Read the latest on the STEAP project.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 5, 2026, 4:43 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Peoples Gazette

CSOs Charged with New Mandate to Prevent TIP and VAP in High-Risk States

The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) has issued a fresh call to action for Nigerian civil society, urging organizations to adopt more aggressive and community-centric strategies to end human trafficking and violence. During the opening of a specialized training workshop on Wednesday in Asaba, Delta State, project leaders emphasized that the shifting landscape of migration and domestic crime requires a more integrated approach. The workshop serves as a critical junction for the Schools Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project (STEAP), moving beyond classroom advocacy to broader community-based prevention and emergency response.

Strategic Partnership: The STEAP Project and Netherlands Funding

The ongoing training is a core component of the STEAP-TIP-VAP project, a four-year initiative funded by the government of the Netherlands. Implemented by ICMPD in direct collaboration with NAPTIP and the Federal Ministry of Education, the project targets five states identified as high-priority areas: Delta, Edo, Ogun, Enugu, and Benue. Rhoda Dia-Johnson, the project manager, highlighted that while the current phase is scheduled to conclude in 2027, the success of these workshops will determine if a second phase is launched to expand these critical protections to other states across the federation.

Expanding the Scope: Integrating Violence Against Persons (VAP) Response

A primary goal of the 2026 workshop is the integration of "Violence Against Persons" (VAP) into traditional anti-trafficking frameworks. Dia-Johnson noted that the two issues are often inextricably linked, with victims of domestic or gender-based violence being significantly more vulnerable to traffickers. By expanding the mandate of partner CSOs to cover both TIP and VAP, the project aims to create a more comprehensive safety net. CSOs are being trained not just to recognize "red flags" but to actively facilitate reporting and provide immediate support to survivors within their local communities.