By Atoyebi Nike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has restated its commitment to intensify the fight against human trafficking and related crimes across the region.
This pledge was made at the 17th Annual Review Meeting (ARM) of the Regional Network of National Focal Institutions Against Trafficking in Persons Plus (RNNI-TIP+), held in Lagos from September 1 to 5, 2025. The meeting was organised by the ECOWAS Commission’s Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs in collaboration with Member States, civil society organisations, and international partners.
Delegates assessed progress recorded in 2024 and outlined strategies for 2026, with discussions covering prevention, victim support, prosecution of traffickers, and cross-border cooperation.
Significantly, this year’s review broadened the network’s mandate to include Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Violence Against Children (VAC), which were recognised as overlapping issues affecting trafficking victims, particularly women and children.
The initiative is supported by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) through the FMM West Africa II project, which strengthens migration governance and victim protection systems in the subregion.
Officials emphasised the need for closer collaboration between governments, civil society, and international partners to tackle root causes of trafficking, reinforce legal frameworks, and adapt to emerging threats such as online exploitation and organised transnational crime.
The Lagos meeting concluded with renewed commitments by ECOWAS Member States to scale up policy implementation, enhance intelligence sharing, and intensify advocacy to protect vulnerable populations in West Africa.
