NSCC Joins NAPTIP in Annual Global Awareness Walk Against Human Trafficking

The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) on Monday, July 28, 2025, joined the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and other key stakeholders in the Annual Global Awareness Walk Against Human Trafficking, held in Abuja to commemorate the 2025 International Day Against Human Trafficking.

Representing the Director-General of NSCC, Hon. Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe, is the Head, Corporate Affairs, Media and Strategic Communications, Mr Omini Oden who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the Centre.

Mr. Oden highlighted the strong and growing partnership between the NSCC and NAPTIP in tackling the exploitation and abuse of older persons, an often overlooked demographic in anti-trafficking conversations.

The National Senior Citizens Centre has worked closely with NAPTIP for over three years in the prevention response, rescue, and remedy cases of Elder abuse.

Mr Oden said, NSCC and NAPTIP have strengthened the protection of older persons’ rights and increased access to support for victims of abuse.

He emphasized that the collaboration has led to key initiatives, including; mainstreaming older persons in both NAPTIP’s state structures and NSCC’s Community Response Mechanism;

Leveraging NAPTIP’s toll-free lines (07030000203, 0800-CALLNAPTIP) and Rapid Response Squad to address elder abuse;

Educating communities to recognize and report abuse of senior citizens.

Mr. Oden reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to continue working with NAPTIP and other partners to create a safer and more supportive environment for Nigeria’s older population.

The walk, which went ahead despite heavy rainfall in the Federal Capital Territory, drew participation from senior government officials, civil society organizations, the media, and international partners including 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 strong signal to traffickers that their operations will no longer be tolerated, and praised the commitment of all partners, including NSCC, in fighting all forms of exploitation and abuse.

The event reaffirmed the national resolve to combat human trafficking through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and inclusive action that leaves no one behind- including Nigeria’s senior citizens.