Lagos Bolsters Grassroots Fight Against Human Trafficking

In a decisive move to eradicate modern slavery, the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, has inaugurated 114 Local Government Focal Persons and Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) Desk Officers. This strategic initiative, held at the DMO Office in Alausa, aims to decentralize the state’s anti-trafficking efforts by embedding specialized legal and operational officers within all 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs.

The newly appointed framework integrates Heads of Legal Units and LNSC officers to ensure early detection and swift response at the community level. Mr. Pedro emphasized that these roles are not merely titles but carries a heavy responsibility for vigilance. He charged the appointees to prioritize the identification of trafficking risks and maintain seamless engagement with traditional and grassroots institutions to protect vulnerable citizens.

​According to the Attorney-General, the move promotes accountability by blending legal oversight with local intelligence. By designating specific Desk Officers within the LNSC, the state is leveraging an existing security apparatus to create a hostile environment for traffickers. This synergy is expected to streamline reporting procedures and ensure that survivors receive immediate and effective referrals to the appropriate authorities.

​National recognition for the initiative came from NAPTIP’s Lagos Zonal Commander, Mrs. Hàjarat Tunde-Osho, who lauded Lagos for its proactive stance. She noted that the "Lagos Task Force Model" has become a gold standard, having already been replicated in 24 other states across Nigeria. The commander praised the state government for fulfilling a commitment made in late 2023, turning policy intent into a functional reality.

The inauguration concluded with a formal commitment ceremony led by the Task Force Coordinator, Mr. Olamide Ibrahim. Ibrahim clarified that while the new officers will drive local coordination, they will remain within their established command structures to ensure operational discipline. This grassroots expansion marks a significant chapter in Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to human rights and community safety.