The Government of Netherlands has pledged more collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to end illegal migration from Nigeria.

Mr Stef Blok, Netherlands’ Minster of Foreign Affairs gave the assurance when he paid courtesy visit on the Director General of NAPTIP, Dame Julie Okah–Donli on Wednesday in Abuja.

Blok frowned at the sufferings and pains of victims of trafficking including abuses and slavery in Libya, parts of the Mediterranean and Europe.

He said the collaboration would include investment in job creation for Nigerians in order to dissuade them from going through the hurdles of illegal migration.

“Netherlands and Nigeria governments have had a very strong collaboration in fighting human trafficking and of course it is in our common interest to end this illegal migration.

“Our visit was to discuss how we can further improve the cooperation because both countries because we are very committed to ending illegal migration. People that have good qualifications have no reason indulging in illegal migration which is a terrible suffering,’’ he said.

In her remark, Okah Donli said that Netherlands and Nigeria have had a very good relationship over the years in the area of joint operation and investigation.

She said that in the first joint operations, the two countries had exposed a big gang of human traffickers in Netherlands, leading to other successful ones and the meeting was crucial in strengthening relationship and sharing more information about joint operations and investigations.

According to her, the crime of human trafficking is such that both countries of origin and destinations must work together to destroy criminal network gangs.

“So, we need to crush these gangs from all side concentrating in Nigeria, it has to be fought here simultaneously and in the destination country as well,” she said.

She expressed delight over the promises made by Netherlands Government to rehabilitate and empower Nigerians and reduce illegal migration through the Mediterranean Sea, while commending Netherlands for being the highest investor in anti-trafficking programmes in Nigeria in recent years and pleaded for more supports.

“Netherlands happens to be the highest investor in Nigeria but we want them to invest more, open up the economy some more and create Jobs for Nigerians. Nigerians do not want to be slaves in other people’s country but if they have enough jobs here and invest in our country Nigerians will stay,” Okah-Doli said.

(NAN)