The Irish Government on Wednesday called for the creation of jobs as an effective measure to address the menace of human trafficking in Nigeria.
The Irish High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Sean Hoy, made the call during a courtesy visit to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, at his palace in Benin, Edo State.
Hoy said that such jobs must be satisfactory in order to prevent Nigerians from leaving the country.
He, however, stated that he was working with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons to assess the problem.
He said, “Last week, I met with NAPTIP in Abuja and we are trying now to learn more about the situation. The real way to address human trafficking is to create good jobs in Nigeria so people do not leave.
The high commissioner explained that he was in the state on a fact-finding mission aimed at meeting with the people and the government in order understand their challenges.
Hoy said, “I believe it is very important for me, as ambassador, to travel around all parts of Nigeria not only to meet with people in government but also people in villages, people in business and this is my first trip to Edo State.
“I have been to many parts of this country and I am learning a lot on this visit. But I am learning about what people are worried about, what they feel is getting better and then I can bring the message back to Abuja.”
In his remark, Oba Ewuare II stated that the campaign against human trafficking was a work in progress.
The monarch also commended the Irish government for demonstrating its interest in the development of Edo State.
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