Fatima Waziri-Azi, the director-general of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has unveiled ongoing investigations into numerous orphanages across the country. Speaking during a program in Abuja on Thursday, she shed light on the alarming prevalence of infractions within some orphanages, branding them as potential hotbeds for human trafficking.
Ms. Waziri-Azi emphasized the seriousness of the issue, stating, “We are delving into numerous orphanages nationwide. NAPTIP is actively pursuing legal action against certain orphanages found in violation. The agency is encountering concerning practices within these institutions.”
She stressed that orphanages have no authority to finalize adoptions independently, asserting, “No orphanage possesses the prerogative to facilitate child adoptions. NAPTIP intervenes upon detecting indications of human trafficking.”
Issuing a stern warning to orphanages, she urged them to uphold stringent operational standards. Additionally, she cautioned Nigerians against hasty adoptions from these facilities, underscoring the need for adherence to proper procedures.
Ms. Waziri-Azi urged citizens to prioritize due process in adoption proceedings, advocating for a vigilant approach to safeguard vulnerable children and combat human trafficking.
