The National Executive Committee of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria, led by its National President, Mrs Caroline Ibharuneafe, has paid a courtesy visit to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to strengthen strategic collaboration in the fight against discrimination, exploitation, and gender-based violence across the country.
The delegation was received by the NAPTIP Zonal Coordinator, Mrs Comfort Agboko, who commended AWLA for its consistent advocacy and frontline role in protecting the rights of vulnerable women and children.
During the meeting, Mrs Ibharuneafe emphasised the urgency of deepening partnerships between legal advocates, enforcement agencies, and civil society groups to ensure that gender-based abuses are prevented, prosecuted, and ultimately eradicated.
She noted that AWLA is expanding its nationwide interventions and is committed to supporting NAPTIP with legal expertise, community sensitisation and survivor-focused programmes.
“We believe collaboration is the strongest tool we have. When agencies and NGOs work as one, perpetrators have no hiding place,” she said.
In her remarks, Mrs Agboko pledged NAPTIP’s readiness to work closely with AWLA, describing the association as a critical stakeholder in the fight against human trafficking, harmful practices and gender-related crimes.
“This partnership will help amplify our collective impact. Together, we will ensure that vulnerable groups—especially women and children—receive the protection and justice they deserve,” she stated.
Both organisations agreed to a series of joint programmes, including legal clinics, public sensitisation campaigns and rapid-response support for victims of abuse.
The visit marks a renewed commitment by AWLA and NAPTIP to advancing a safer and more equitable society, where the rights and dignity of women and girls are fully upheld.
