The ECOWAS Regional Network of National Focal Institutions Against Trafficking in Persons Plus (RNNI-TIP+) convened its 16th Annual Review Meeting in Monrovia, Liberia. The gathering focused on enhancing collaboration and cooperation to combat trafficking in persons and related crimes across the region. Participants emphasized the need for increased capacity development within member states to address these issues effectively.
Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, highlighted the importance of the meeting as a platform for tracking efforts against human trafficking. Mr. Olatunde Olayemi delivered her welcome address, stating that it serves as a forum to identify gaps, share experiences, and foster collaboration among focal institutions.
Notable attendees included Deputy Minister Hon. Steve Kolubah from Liberia’s Ministry of Labour; H.E. Josephine Nkrumah, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Liberia; Hajiya Hauwa Adamu from Nigeria’s National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP); and Dr. Mojisola Sodeinde from the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) West Africa.
Hon. Steve Kolubah discussed Liberia’s efforts against human trafficking through awareness campaigns and international partnerships, emphasizing collective action: “However, no country can win this fight alone.” H.E. Josephine Nkrumah stressed a holistic approach: “Trafficking in persons demands a whole-of-society approach with renewed urgency.” Dr. Mojisola Sodeinde noted the power of unity: “The challenges we face are immense, but the progress we’ve made is a source of hope.”
The three-day meeting featured presentations on 2023 TIP Priorities and ECOWAS TIP 2018-2028 Plan of Action alongside 2025 priorities, showing progress despite challenges. Recommendations included strengthening cross-border referral mechanisms and enhancing awareness about the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol.
Participants urged an inter-ministerial meeting on TIP+ to improve regional coordination and requested targeted experience-sharing sessions on topics like child trafficking during armed conflicts. They validated guidelines for national task forces and strategies for related criminal offenses.
The meeting also addressed clarifications regarding the ECOWAS Fund for Support to Victims of Trafficking in Persons, administered by the International Organization for Migration, providing $35,000 each to 12 member states to support victim initiatives.
Representatives from various organizations including ICMPD, GIZ, IDLO attended alongside members from anti-TIP focal institutions across member states.
