Today, we gather not only to celebrate an important milestone — the 25th anniversary of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation, known affectionately as WOTCLEF —  but also to honour a vision that has reshaped the landscape of human rights and social justice in Nigeria.

Before I begin, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for being here today. Your presence underscores your commitment to eradicating the horrific realities of human trafficking and child labour, as well as your steadfast support for the rights of women and children in our nation.

The Journey of WOTCLEF

Twenty-five years ago, in 1999, our journey commenced. It was a year of transformative promise — a year that heralded not just the dawn of a new democracy, but also the emergence of a beacon of hope for our most vulnerable. WOTCLEF arose from a profound need for change, to confront the grim realities faced by so many, where the innocent often fell victim to human trafficking, child labour, and abuse. 

At the heart of this initiative was my beloved wife, Her Excellency Amina Titi Atiku Abubakar, who recognized the urgency to become a voice for the voiceless upon my swearing-in as Vice President.

As I stand here today, I am filled with pride and admiration for Titi. Her unwavering dedication to combating human trafficking and child labour has changed countless lives. She did not merely witness the suffering of women and children; she took decisive action to lead the charge for change.

Faced with the ravages of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the scars left by years of military dictatorship, Titi envisioned a better future—a future where democratic governance reignites hope and empowers every individual to reclaim their dignity and rights. WOTCLEF stands as a testament not only to her compassion but also to the transformative power of our democratic journey.

Reflecting on our past, let us acknowledge the incredible strides made through this organization and its partners. Thanks to WOTCLEF’s advocacy, we witnessed the establishment of NAPTIP—the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and Other Related Matters. This agency has become a vital ally in our national fight against the heinous crime of trafficking.

I take this moment to express our profound gratitude to members of both Chambers of the National Assembly, for their decisive action on July 7, 2003, in passing the WOTCLEF-sponsored private member bill that laid the foundation for the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act 2003, which birthed NAPTIP. This legislative milestone prioritized the protection of our most vulnerable citizens.

Furthermore, I want to extend our profound and most heartfelt appreciation to President Olusegun Obasanjo (1999–2007) for his swift assent to the WOTCLEF bill, which prohibited women trafficking and child labour in Nigeria. His courageous leadership fostered the environment that energized WOTCLEF’s mission, reinforcing our democratic values while delivering vital hope to our downtrodden communities.

Subsequent Nigerian Presidents have carried forward this noble effort, recognizing the urgency of combating women trafficking and child labour. They diligently scrutinized the 2003 Act, leading to its repeal and re-enactment on March 26, 2015, by President Muhammadu Buhari, which re-established NAPTIP as a federal agency devoted to fighting the most egregious violations of women’s and children’s rights. 

Together, these actions highlight the strength of collaborative governance, and our collective will to build a safer, fairer society for all.

As we celebrate WOTCLEF’s achievements, let us also recognize the intangible gifts it has bestowed upon our society:

1. Awareness and Education: WOTCLEF has tirelessly campaigned at all levels, raising awareness about the harsh realities of human trafficking and child labour, educating countless individuals about their rights and available resources.

2. Partnerships: The foundation has forged invaluable partnerships with local and international organizations, NGOs, and development agencies, uniting resources and expertise to effect meaningful change.

3. Rescue and Rehabilitation: Most importantly, WOTCLEF has been pivotal in rescuing and rehabilitating victims, restoring hope and dignity to lives shattered by exploitation.

Yet, our work is far from complete. As we celebrate the triumphs of WOTCLEF over the past 25 years, we must also confront the challenges that lie ahead. The journey to eradicate human trafficking and child labour remains fraught with obstacles, and it is our collective responsibility to tackle them.

1. Awareness and Education: Despite our progress, many Nigerians remain unaware of the signs and consequences of trafficking and child labour. We must enhance our outreach efforts, particularly in rural areas where ignorance and poverty abound.

2. Resources and Funding: The fight demands substantial resources—both financial and human. We need continued funding for prevention programs, community support initiatives, and legal aid for victims.

3. Strengthening Law Enforcement: Effective law enforcement is critical. We must provide ongoing training and support to law enforcement agencies to ensure they can effectively identify, investigate, and prosecute perpetrators.

4. Addressing Root Causes: Poverty and lack of opportunity fuel trafficking. We must adopt comprehensive approaches to tackle the socio-economic factors that contribute to these issues, such as gender inequality and insufficient access to education and healthcare.

5. Advocacy and Policy Reform: While we’ve made progress, continuous advocacy is vital to enforce existing laws and develop new policies that prioritize the protection of vulnerable populations.

As WOTCLEF navigates these challenges, let us draw strength from the shared vision that unites us. Together, we have the power to create a Nigeria free from the grips of human trafficking—where every woman and child can live in safety, dignity, and hope. 

Each of us has a role to play, no matter how small, in this essential endeavour.

To Her Excellency Amina Titi Atiku Abubakar, thank you for your indomitable spirit and for your unwavering belief in the possibility of change. Your legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and impact.

Together, let us commemorate this milestone and renew our commitment to the vision of WOTCLEF—a vision that will guide us resolutely into a brighter future. 

Let us continue advocating for policies that protect the rights of women and children, challenging systemic inequalities, and eradicating the scourge of child labour.

Today, we recommit ourselves to these efforts. Let us draw inspiration from Titi’s legacy of service, her unwavering courage, and her resolute spirit. 

As we look ahead, let us harness our collective strength to engage all segments of society —governments, businesses, and communities —advocating for actionable solutions that uplift our most vulnerable citizens. In the years to come, I am confident that Nigerians will build upon the foundation laid by Her Excellency Titi and the compassionate individuals dedicated to WOTCLEF’s mission. 

Let us ensure that no child is denied an education and that no woman suffers through trafficking and exploitation in silence. Let us eliminate the shadows of trafficking and exploitation from our society. Let us unite in purpose and action. Together, we can forge a future where dignity, justice, and hope triumph for every Nigerian.

Thank you for being part of this celebration, and for your dedication to this noble cause. Together, let us continue the fight, empowering our citizens and building the society we dreamed of.

Thank you.

 Atiku Abubakar’s speech at the 25th Anniversary of WOTCLEF at the Women Development Centre in Abuja.