Voices Unchained Trafficking Survivors Initiative Meets with NACTAL to Advance Survivor-Led Action Against Human Trafficking
Abuja, Nigeria
As part of its commitment to strengthening partnerships in the fight against human trafficking, Voices Unchained Trafficking Survivors Initiative (VUTSI) held a strategic meeting with the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL) at the NACTAL National Secretariat in Abuja.
The meeting marked an important step toward fostering collaboration between the two organizations in advancing survivor-led approaches to combating human trafficking, promoting safe and regular migration, and improving support systems for survivors across Nigeria.
Strengthening Collaboration for Greater Impact
The VUTSI delegation was received by Mr. Osita Osemene, NACTAL's National Secretary and Head of Programmes, who welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed NACTAL's commitment to working with survivor-led organizations.
During the meeting, Mr. Osemene provided an overview of NACTAL's mandate, organizational structure, and nationwide interventions in preventing human trafficking, protecting vulnerable persons, and advocating for stronger child protection systems. He also highlighted the importance of integrating survivor perspectives into policy development, advocacy, and programme implementation.
Survivor Voices at the Centre
Representatives of Voices Unchained Trafficking Survivors Initiative, a survivor-led organization founded by survivors of human trafficking, shared the organization's vision and mission of preventing exploitation through awareness, education, advocacy, and survivor empowerment.
The delegation emphasized that VUTSI is committed to:
Promoting safe and regular migration.
Raising public awareness about the realities and dangers of human trafficking.
Educating communities on fraudulent recruitment and migration scams.
Supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of survivors.
Empowering trafficking survivors to become advocates, educators, and agents of change within their communities.
Building partnerships that strengthen Nigeria's response to human trafficking.
The meeting also highlighted the unique value that survivors bring to anti-trafficking efforts. Through their lived experiences, survivors are able to deliver authentic prevention messages, mentor vulnerable individuals, and contribute practical insights that strengthen interventions and reduce the risk of re-trafficking.
Commitment to Institutional Growth
In his remarks, Mr. Osemene expressed NACTAL's willingness to support the institutional development of VUTSI through mentorship, technical guidance, and capacity-building initiatives.
He stressed the importance of establishing strong leadership structures, effective governance systems, organizational accountability, and strategic partnerships to ensure the long-term sustainability and impact of survivor-led organizations.
His encouragement reinforces the growing recognition that survivor-led organizations have an essential role to play in shaping Nigeria's anti-trafficking landscape.
Looking Ahead
At the conclusion of the meeting, both organizations agreed to continue discussions toward establishing a stronger working relationship that will enhance collaboration on advocacy, public awareness campaigns, capacity building, research, community engagement, and other initiatives aimed at preventing human trafficking and promoting safe and regular migration.
For VUTSI, this engagement represents another significant milestone in building partnerships that place survivors at the centre of solutions. We firmly believe that meaningful collaboration between government institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, and survivor-led initiatives is essential to achieving lasting progress in the fight against human trafficking.
As we continue to grow, Voices Unchained Trafficking Survivors Initiative remains committed to working alongside organizations such as NACTAL to amplify survivor voices, strengthen prevention efforts, support survivors, and build a Nigeria where every person can live free from exploitation.
Together, we can break the chains of human trafficking, restore hope, and create safer communities for all.
