Human Trafficking: US Mission Donates Office to Lagos Agency
The United States Mission in Nigeria has donated office and equipment to the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA) as part of its efforts to combat human trafficking.
US Consul General Will Stevens praised the Lagos state government for its commitment to creating a safe environment for its citizens and thanked the Kingdom of Netherlands for its unwavering commitment to the cause. He also commended the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for its expertise, dedication, and tireless efforts.
The establishment of the office is a critical milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s criminal justice response to trafficking in persons and demonstrating the importance of local authorities in this effort. Between 2021 and 2023, the US government provided $1.3 million to UNODC to support the Nigerian government’s efforts to protect those vulnerable to trafficking.
The US government understands the importance of a comprehensive response to human trafficking and has invested in training first responders and reintegration of victims of trafficking.
In 2023, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) provided guidance to over 100 civil society organizations on how to recognize and report possible victims of human trafficking, as well as training to 160 civilian law enforcement officers on how to handle incidents of human trafficking.
Twenty victims of human trafficking and other returning migrants received specialized business management training and mentoring through the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs program, which gave them the financial and social support they needed to reintegrate into their communities.
