In a groundbreaking move, the Action Against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (A-TIPSOM), through its team leader, Mr. Federico Millan urged Nigerian female drivers to take strategic actions in combating human trafficking and smuggling of migrants. He made this known during a training session for 40 female drivers, organized by A-TIPSOM and Female Drivers Association of Nigeria (FEDAN) which focused on detecting human trafficking and migrant smuggling. The event, which was put together by Joseph Sanwo, the Technical Advisor on Prevention for the ATIPSOM Project was held at Reiz Continental Hotel Abuja on November 13, 2023, and it marked a significant step in engaging commercial female drivers in Nigeria in countering human trafficking.
The transportation sector is crucial in the fight against human trafficking, with traffickers often exploiting the system for their illicit activities. FEDAN, a registered Non-governmental Organization in Nigeria, serves as a key stakeholder, uniting women drivers to promote their professional skills and address challenges within the industry.
In an opening remark, the Team leader, Mr. Federico Millan said that the training which is part of the Action Against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (A-TIPSOM) project, funded by the European Union aimed to equip female drivers with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify potential victims and traffickers. The Team Leader stressed the importance of empowering FEDAN Abuja Chapter members to efficiently identify cases of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM).
During the event, the Assistant Director, Special Duty of the National Orientation Agency, Dr. Egwuonu Edith pledged support to assist the trained drivers in disseminating information to their peers, reinforcing the impact of the initiative.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commandant for the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Muta’a Isah commended FIIAPP and the European Union for organizing the inaugural training on Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (TIPSOM) for female drivers. The session was graced by the presence of the Mandate Secretary of Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, Hon. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, who presented a commendation award on behalf of the Board of Trustees and Members of FEDAN to Mr. Federico Millan, the Team Leader of A-TIPSOM Project.
Hon. Benjamins-Laniyi lauded FIIAPP for recognizing women drivers as vital agents in countering human trafficking and smuggling. She expressed her commitment to working collaboratively with FIIAPP and other organizations to combat issues affecting women and girls, particularly human trafficking, child abuse, and gender-based violence. She presented a commendation award on behalf of Female Drivers to the Team Leader of A-TIPSOM Project, Mr. Federico Millan, for his role in women empowerment.
At the end of the training, participants were presented with certificates