Regulation 2019: Comply or be shut – NAPTIP to private shelters, rehabilitation homes

All private shelters and rehabilitation centres have been told to get lincenses in line with Regulation 2019 or risk.being shut down by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

To this end, the regulatory agency has extended the ultimatum issued to organizations that operate Shelters and Homes, offering services for the purpose of the rehabilitation of trafficked persons by another 60 days.

In a statement on Thursday by NAPTIP’s Press Officer, Adekoye Vincent, he said, in Nigeria, private shelters and rehabilitation homes must obtain operating license in accordance with the provisions of the Trafficking in Persons (Control of Activities of Organisations and Centres) Regulations 2019

The statement said: “The extension is as a result of the intervention of a Network of Civil Society Organization Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), to allow more Organizations meet up with the deadline.”

It would be recalled that NAPTIP had given all Tour Operators, Travel Agents and Organisations operating Shelters and Homes, for the purpose of rehabilitation of trafficked persons in Nigeria, a one – month ultimatum with effect from 29th June, 2022, to obtain clearance certificates and licenses or risk shut down and prosecution in accordance with the Agency’s extant law.

“The new ultimatum shall now be 60 Days with effect from Thursday 1st September, 2022 which expires on 31st October 2022.

“All affected persons are strongly advised to comply with the deadline and the Donor Community is also enjoined to take note of the extension”, the statement concluded.