Senate Orders Probe Of Travel Agencies Over Libya Trafficking

The Senate has ordered a comprehensive investigation into travel agencies suspected of facilitating human trafficking and the exploitation of Nigerians in Libya, while adopting a report recommending tougher enforcement of anti-trafficking laws.

The resolution followed the adoption of a report on the urgent need to protect Nigerians from trafficking, slavery and human rights abuses in Libya at plenary on Tuesday.

Presenting the report, Senator Anthony Yaro (Gombe South), on behalf of the joint committees on Diaspora, Judiciary, Foreign Affairs and Special Duties, said the recommendations were designed to strengthen Nigeria’s response to trafficking, protect victims and dismantle criminal networks.

The report, which was supported by Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), also called for increased funding for the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and other relevant agencies.

The Senate directed NAPTIP to work with the Police, Nigeria Immigration Service, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to interrogate directors, officers and agents of identified travel agencies.

The investigation is expected to uncover recruitment networks, financial transactions and travel arrangements linked to the trafficking and exploitation of Nigerians abroad.

The lawmakers also resolved to establish a national protection and reintegration programme for returning victims, to be coordinated by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons in collaboration with NAPTIP.

They further urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic engagement with Libya through bilateral and multilateral channels to combat trafficking and promote safe, legal migration.

Contributing to the debate, Senator Neda Imasuen (Edo South) said Nigeria’s challenge was not the absence of relevant laws but the failure to enforce them and hold offenders accountable.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for tougher measures to deter trafficking and other serious crimes.

Recalling his tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio said he had signed an anti-kidnapping law prescribing the death penalty and forfeiture of properties where kidnapped victims were found.

He also advocated a strict Know-Your-Tenant policy, arguing that landlords should be able to provide information about their tenants when crimes are committed on their premises.

Akpabio warned that landlords who fail to account for their tenants could be treated as accomplices in criminal activities.

The Senate’s resolutions underscore the need for stronger enforcement, improved victim rehabilitation and coordinated action by security and other relevant agencies to dismantle trafficking networks operating within and outside Nigeria.