Social Media Responsible For Rise In Human Trafficking – Remi Tinubu

First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has attributed the rise in human trafficking and child labor to the “get rich quick syndrome,” while reaffirming her support for the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

Speaking at the State House in Abuja during a meeting with NAPTIP Director General, Hajia Binta Lami Adamu Bello, Tinubu expressed deep concern over the alarming rate of human trafficking in Nigeria. She cited a recent raid on a baby factory in Abuja, where 19 pregnant young girls were rescued, as a disturbing example of the growing crisis.

“The get rich quick syndrome is not helping matters. Even our religious institutions are doing prosperity preaching, but the Bible talks about work,” she stated, also blaming social media and the film industry for influencing young people negatively.

She pledged to work closely with State Governors’ wives to raise awareness and support NAPTIP’s fight against human trafficking.

Bello described trafficking as the second-largest transnational organized crime after drug trafficking and called for urgent stakeholder intervention. She requested the First Lady’s backing in areas such as skills acquisition programs, awareness advocacy, shelter provision, and policy reforms.

In a separate meeting with the National Council for Women Societies of Nigeria (NCWS), Tinubu encouraged the group to take advantage of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to support their members. She reiterated her commitment to strengthening families and empowering women across the country.