Nigeria improves and rises to Tier 1 in 2009 T.I.P. report

Nigeria has risen to Tier 1 status in the 2009 TIP (Trafficking in Persons) report and has met the "minimum standards for the elimination of severe forms of trafficking", according to a statement made by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the Department of State's ninth annual TIP Report in a public event at Washington D.C.

"Over the past year, the Government of Nigeria more than doubled the number of trafficking offenders convicted, while it improved assistance given to victims, demonstrated strong awareness-raising efforts, and increased funding to its anti-human trafficking organization, the National Agency for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP)" 

"the 175-country report is the most comprehensive worldwide report on the efforts of governments to combat severe forms of trafficking in persons, a modern-day form of slavery". it stated.

According to the statement the findings are intended to raise global awareness and spur countries to take effective actions to counter trafficking in persons.

Nigeria was rated for increased efforts in 2008 and achievements over the past few years in preventing human trafficking. The U.S. Mission in Nigeria also congratulated the government of Nigeria and the National Agency for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on its accomplishment and encourages continued progress in the future.

"The U.S. Congress, through its passage of the 2000 Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), as amended, requires the Secretary of State to submit this Report each year. The goal of this Report is to stimulate action and create partnerships around the world in the fight against modern-day slavery".

"Within the Report, countries are assigned to one of three tiers: countries assessed as meeting the "minimum standards for the elimination of severe forms of trafficking" as set forth in the TVPA are classified as Tier 1; countries assessed as not fully complying with the minimum standards, but making significant efforts are classified as Tier 2; and countries assessed as neither complying with the minimum standards nor making significant efforts to do so are classified as Tier 3." It stated.

Daily Trust

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