Devatop Hosts Expertise France Delegation to Strengthen Regional Anti-Trafficking Efforts
Devatop Centre for Africa Development on 23 June 2026 hosted a delegation from Expertise France, the specialized technical cooperation agency of the French Agency for International Development (AFD) Group, at its headquarters in Abuja.
The visit provided an opportunity for both organizations to exchange insights on anti-trafficking efforts, explore the role of technology in addressing human trafficking, and strengthen collaboration under the newly launched regional PROTECT project.
Discussions began with an overview of the PROTECT initiative, a four-year regional project currently being implemented across Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Guinea, and Sierra Leone. The project seeks to strengthen national institutions, improve criminal justice responses to trafficking in persons, and address the growing digital dimensions of the crime through a gender-sensitive approach.
The Expertise France delegation noted that diagnostic activities are already underway in Nigeria to assess national referral mechanisms and identify opportunities for improved coordination with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). During the meeting, the Devatop team presented its work in combating human trafficking and promoting human rights across Nigeria and the West African region. A key highlight was the TALKAM application, a digital reporting platform that enables individuals to safely report human rights violations from all 36 states of Nigeria and across West Africa.
The organization also showcased its Freedom Fund-supported project in Lagos, which focuses on identifying children trapped in forced labour, facilitating their rescue, and supporting their return to school.
Further discussions centered on Devatop’s case management approach and partnerships. The organization explained how it works through formal Memoranda of Understanding with NAPTIP and the National Human Rights Commission to facilitate legal action and arrests. Following rescue operations, survivors are connected to psychosocial support through the Nigerian Psychological Association, while shelter, medical care, vocational training, and educational support are provided through partner organizations. Devatop also highlighted its commitment to data protection and compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act through staff training conducted in partnership with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
The meeting also provided an opportunity for both organizations to discuss challenges affecting anti-trafficking interventions. Funding limitations and logistical constraints were identified as barriers to timely rescue operations and the provision of temporary shelter for survivors. Devatop further noted that despite integrating NAPTIP officers into the TALKAM platform for real-time notifications, physical follow-ups and formal correspondence are often still required before digital reports lead to action on the ground.
The visit concluded on a positive note, fostering a stronger understanding of the realities of anti-trafficking work in the region and highlighting opportunities for collaboration between Expertise France and Devatop under the PROTECT project.
