Press Release
In a historic move, the Executive Governor of Taraba State, His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas, has signed into law the Prohibition Against Human Trafficking Bill, reaffirming the state’s commitment to protect vulnerable populations and uphold human rights.
The Adinya Arise Foundation (AAF), a leading civil society organization and Anchor of the USAID Palladium SCALE Counter Trafficking in Persons Commission Cluster project, has welcomed this development as a landmark achievement, especially given that the SCALE project funding was halted following USAID’s closure of the program.
Despite the unexpected termination of donor funding, AAF sustained implementation of CTIP interventions through self-funding as part of its broader sustainability strategy. These efforts have culminated in the Assent of Bill a legislative milestone promised by the state government during the USAID SCALE Closeout Summit held on September 25, 2024.
“Nothing is as heartwarming as seeing your efforts come to fruition,” said Mabel Adinya Ade, Executive Director of Adinya Arise Foundation. “We commend His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for keeping his promise and demonstrating that the protection of human dignity remains a top priority of his administration.
“Our gratitude also goes to the Taraba State House of Assembly for their unanimous support and legislative courage.”
The enactment of the PAHT Bill immediately strengthens the legal framework needed to prosecute traffickers, protect survivors, and prevent future trafficking, particularly among women, girls, and vulnerable populations.
In a related breakthrough, the Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs recently rescued young girls who had been trafficked to Guinea and forced into sex slavery an early indication of the state’s renewed determination to take concrete action against human trafficking.
AAF extends appreciation to the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Commissioner of Information and Reorientation, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and many other stakeholders, for their leadership, advocacy, and strong coordination that helped bring this victory to reality.
As Taraba State celebrates this moment, Adinya Arise Foundation AAF and all Cluster Members (ECJP, NUJ, GERI, OSA Foundation and JDPC) calls on sister states Benue and Oyo to accelerate the passage and signing of their respective CTIP Bills. The momentum is now, and no child, woman, or man should be left unprotected.
Media Desk,
Adinya Arise Foundation (AAF)
8 Eket Close, Area 8, Garki, Abuja FCT, Nigeria
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +234(0)8036145535
“Huge win for human rights in Taraba State! The signing of the Prohibition Against Human Trafficking Bill into law is a major step forward in protecting vulnerable populations and holding traffickers accountable 👏”