by FIDA

Day Against Trafficking in Persons

2025 Theme: Human Trafficking is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation

FIDA Nigeria has repeatedly borne witness to the painful aftermath of human trafficking as it affects families, particularly women and children.

We have listened to the voices of displaced girls forced into sexual slavery, children deceived and pushed into forced labor, and young women tricked into foreign servitude under false promises of a better life. These are not isolated misfortunes; they are the results of a deeply entrenched system of organized exploitation, orchestrated by criminal networks that operate across borders, who thrive in vulnerable communities, and often act in full view.

This year’s theme compels us to look beyond the surface, because Human Trafficking is not simply a social problem; but rather, it is usually a calculated, multi-billion-dollar criminal enterprise, feeding on corruption, poverty, insecurity, weak institutions, and the vulnerability of those who have the least exposure and protection.

Across Nigeria, even between states, trafficking networks continue to flourish as children are transported from rural villages to urban centers where they are exploited as domestic servants and child laborers.
Our Girls are trafficked by close family and associates under the pretense of education or job opportunities then subjected to intense abuse; while young boys toil in plantations, illegal mining pits, construction sites, and sex markets, maltreated, malnourished and without adequate pay, with a great danger to their physical and emotional well-being.

These victims living in fear, remain trapped in the informal, largely unregulated sectors, are hidden and unheard of, without access to social protection and justice

FIDA Nigeria raises its voice in alarm as we cannot tackle organized crime with fragmented, uncoordinated, halfhearted responses, this is unacceptable as a multifaceted integrated approach is preferred and advised.

We therefore call on all the relevant Nigerian government agencies, law enforcement agencies, immigration and border control officers, civil society, and traditional and religious leaders to take immediate, coordinated action to:

Strengthen Law Enforcement (improved intelligence gathering & proper investigations); Ensure Swift Prosecution

Trafficking syndicates are well-structured and intentional. Our legal and law enforcement response must be equally fast, robust and resolute.

Anti-trafficking Laws must be enforced without delay such that Justice is visibly seen and felt.

Prioritize Early Identification and Comprehensive Victim Support being that alot of victims remain hiding in the shadows.

Community-level identification systems must be improved. Survivors need access to safe shelters, trauma-informed psychosocial support, legal aid, and long-term reintegration programs.

Amplify Prevention and Public Awareness campaigns in local languages because
Prevention is our first line of action. We must continuously educate families and communities especially in rural and underserved areas on the antics and tactics often deployed by traffickers and where they can seek available help.

While tackling inter- state traffickers within Nigeria, we must also Strengthen Transnational and Regional Collaborations because Human Traffickers operate syndicated transnational networks
Intelligence sharing, regional cooperation, and coordinated enforcement are essential to dismantling international trafficking rings.

Empower and Invest in Vulnerable Communities ensuring they become alert and resilient
Poverty is a wide gateway to exploitation. Government and stakeholders must invest in quality education, youth empowerment, social welfare, and sustainable economic opportunities that reduce desperation and restore dignified labor to families.

Forge Strong and Accountable Partnerships
No single institution can fight trafficking alone. Multi-sectoral partnerships involving government agencies, NGOs, faith-based groups, community leaders, survivor advocates, and the private sector are critical to building survivor-centered, results-driven interventions.

Let us unite in stopping modern day slavery, where daily, lives are stripped of dignity by trafficking networks that flourish in silence as they work in the shadows. Let’s note that behind every statistic is a human name, a face, and a future stolen.

The fight to end this injustice is a national imperative, demanding legal force, bold leadership, strong institutions, and an unrelenting commitment to human respect & dignity.
Human trafficking is a crime not a lapse in judgment. It is organized, systemic, and violent. And it must end.

Signed
Mrs. Eliana Martins
Country Vice President National President
FIDA Nigeria

Chineze Obianyo
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria

by FIDA

BUSINESS MEETING & FIDA@60 MAGAZINE UNVEILING

At the heart of every impactful organization lies the courage to reflect, re-evaluate, and reimagine. This spirit defined the National Executive Council (NEC) Business Meeting of FIDA Nigeria, held in the vibrant city of Port Harcourt.
With delegates and national officers gathered from across the federation, this was more than a routine convening. It was a moment of reckoning, strategy, and collective visioning. Reports weren’t just presented; they told stories. Stories of relentless advocacy, transformative programming, financial transparency, and the unwavering dedication of our Secretariat. From the Country Vice President’s reflections to updates from the Programmes, Finance, and Secretariat teams, each report illuminated where FIDA Nigeria stands and the bold path ahead.
A major highlight of the gathering was the unveiling of the FIDA@60 Commemorative Magazine. A visually rich, thoughtfully curated publication chronicling six remarkable decades of FIDA Nigeria. It captures the voices of pioneers, the milestones that defined each era, and the shared commitment that continues to drive the association forward.
The planning of the FIDA@60 celebration, an event marked by beauty, elegance, and deep reflection, was ably steered by Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Awomolo, SAN, who also graced the unveiling ceremony with her distinguished presence. Under the visionary leadership of our immediate past Country Vice President, Mrs. Amina Agbaje, and her dynamic team, the celebration was a resounding success. It honoured our journey, our growth, and our future.
We pay special tribute to all our past FIDA leaders, Emerita Presidents and former officers, who laid formidable structures, nurtured the vision, and left lasting legacies. Their impact is etched into the very fabric of this organization.
As members flipped through the pages of the commemorative magazine, it stirred more than nostalgia. It rekindled purpose, pride, and passion.
FIDA Nigeria is not just looking back. We are leaning forward. Grounded in legacy and propelled by vision, we boldly step into the future.

fidanigeria

by FIDA

A Night of Culture showcasing our rich heritage

Guests and members were thoroughly entertained by the rich heritage of the Kalabari people brought alive by the Ugo Awo dance troupe, and from that to the powerful storytelling through food and culture by Mrs. Gift Braide; the Cultural night was more than just a celebration, It was a communion of diverse heritage spanning across different Zones, from the South-South, South-East, South-West, to the North; each zone took the center stage, weaving their unique cultural identities into one shared tapestry of joy and unity.

The host branch, FIDA Rivers, lit up the room with a performance that stirred pride and joy….yes even lawyers can outshine with dance

We confirm that the air at Portland Hotel Resort, Port Harcourt, on Thursday, June 26th, 2025, was thick with good rhythm and vibrant energy as FIDA Nigeria hosted its Cultural Night; an unforgettable highlight of the Second Quarter National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting.

In attendance were revered legal minds and women of influence, including Hon. Inime Aguma, International Treasurer, FIDA International and Chief (Mrs.) Victoria O. Awomolo, SAN, past Regional Vice President FIDA Africa who added grace and gravitas to the beautiful evening.

The evening closed with heartfelt gratitude from Mrs. Agatha Bio Briggs, Chairperson of the LOC, reminding us why we gather, why we serve, and why positive aspects of our culture matters.

FIDANigeria #FIDANigeriaNEC2025 #CulturalNight