Edo State Governor highlights successes in tackling human trafficking, pledges continued collaboration with IOM

 

Godwin Obaseki

The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has highlighted his administration’s achievements in tackling human trafficking in the last six years, pledging to continue strengthening the legal framework and institutions to eliminate the menace in the state. Obaseki made this known while inaugurating the new office of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Benin City, emphasizing that his government will collaborate with IOM and other partners to combat illegal migration, human trafficking, and other forms of modern-day slavery in the state.

According to the Governor, the IOM's effort to stem the tide of illegal migration and human trafficking has achieved positive results since the organization moved its central base to Benin City in 2018. He expressed appreciation for the support, assistance, and cooperation received from IOM, without which his administration may not have been able to set up its task force to tackle human trafficking and illegal migration.

The Governor added that Edo State has built institutional mechanisms for checking the trend and ensuring the reintegration of returnees back into society through the Edo State Trafficking in Persons and Prohibition Law. He noted that IOM can attest to the fact that Edo State is no longer the leading state for illegal migration, thanks to the partnership between IOM and his administration.

The IOM Deputy Director-General for Operations, Ugochi Daniel, thanked the Governor and Government of Edo State for collaborating with IOM to tackle human trafficking and irregular migration in Edo. Daniel noted that Edo State remains the heart of migration in Nigeria, and the establishment of a center in Benin City is significant and reflects the organization's relationship with the state government.

She said, will lead to new programming areas to complement the support and vision of the Edo State Government. The IOM pledged to continue to support the vision of the state government. With the opening of the new office, IOM's capacity to support programs aimed at tackling human trafficking and illegal migration in Edo State is expected to be enhanced.