By Ameh Gabriel
Abuja, Nigeria – July 28, 2025
The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) has joined hands with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and other stakeholders in this year’s Annual Global Awareness Walk Against Human Trafficking, held in Abuja to mark the 2025 International Day Against Human Trafficking.
Representing the Director-General of NSCC, Hon. Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe, was the Head of Corporate Affairs, Media and Strategic Communications, Mr. Omini Oden, who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the Centre.
Mr. Oden emphasized the growing collaboration between NSCC and NAPTIP, especially in addressing the exploitation and abuse of older persons a vulnerable group often neglected in anti-trafficking efforts.
“For over three years, NSCC has partnered with NAPTIP on prevention, rescue, and remedy in cases of elder abuse,” Oden noted. “Together, we’ve worked to protect the rights of older persons and ensure they have greater access to support systems.”
He highlighted several key outcomes of this collaboration:
Integration of older persons into both NAPTIP’s state structures and NSCC’s Community Response Mechanisms.
Use of NAPTIP’s toll-free helplines (07030000203 and 0800-CALLNAPTIP) and Rapid Response Squad to tackle elder abuse cases.
Community education campaigns to identify and report abuse against senior citizens.
Despite heavy rainfall in the Federal Capital Territory, the awareness walk saw robust turnout from government agencies, civil society groups, media professionals, and global development partners. Among them were representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), International Organisation for Migration (IOM), International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), and the International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (FIAPP).
Director-General of NAPTIP, Hajia Binta Adamu-Bello, described the walk as a powerful message to traffickers and abusers across the country.
“This event sends a clear warning: Human trafficking and exploitation in any form will not be tolerated,” she said, praising the NSCC and all partners for their unwavering commitment to justice and protection for all, especially vulnerable groups.
The 2025 awareness walk reaffirmed Nigeria’s national commitment to fight human trafficking through inclusive strategies, community involvement, and partnerships that leave no one behind including senior citizens.
