The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has called on journalists to intensify responsible reporting on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and human trafficking to promote accountability and protect vulnerable groups. Speaking at a media workshop in Abuja, NAPTIP said ethical and investigative journalism is critical to exposing criminal networks, challenging harmful social norms and improving public awareness.
The agency also warned against the growing trend of cyber-blackmail targeting women and condemned attempts by some community leaders to privately settle rape cases, stressing that such actions undermine justice and deny survivors proper legal redress. NAPTIP reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting offenders and disclosed that it has secured life sentences in several SGBV-related cases while collaborating with the EFCC to trace and confiscate assets linked to traffickers and cybercriminals.
The workshop, supported by the European Union under the End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (ESGBV) Programme and implemented by International IDEA, is aimed at building the capacity of journalists from Abuja and Kaduna to report SGBV cases responsibly. Organisers said the initiative will also support the implementation of laws that protect survivors and strengthen collaboration among relevant institutions.
Media experts at the workshop urged journalists to adopt survivor-centred reporting that prioritises accuracy, dignity and ethical standards. They noted that many survivors of abuse never seek help or report their experiences, emphasising that responsible journalism can help break the silence, encourage access to support services and contribute to lasting social change.
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