Introduction
As Nigeria grapples with the urgent challenge of human trafficking, a powerful shift is taking place in its classrooms. The STEAP Project in Benue State—short for School Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project—is placing schools at the very center of the solution.
Spearheaded by OWACDO (Okaha Women and Children Development Organization), with support from ICMPD and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, STEAP is a bold effort to embed anti-trafficking education into school systems. On April 17, 2025, a vital milestone was reached with a Baseline Rapid Needs Assessment held in Benue State involving school management committees and parent-teacher associations.
Why the STEAP Project in Benue State Matters
The stakes are high. In West Africa, more than 75% of human trafficking victims are children. To reverse this trend, prevention must begin where children spend most of their time: in schools.
The STEAP model is holistic. It educates not only students but also teachers, parents, and community leaders. By empowering School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) and creating anti-trafficking school clubs, the project is nurturing local ownership of solutions that can outlast the project lifecycle.
Voices from the Launch
In her opening address, Joy Ijuwo, Executive Director of OWACDO, urged honesty and collaboration:
“Your inputs are invaluable in shaping the future direction of this project. Let’s work together to ensure STEAP creates meaningful and lasting impact.”
She also thanked the Kingdom of the Netherlands and ICMPD for their unwavering support in combating trafficking.
Mrs. Iveren Gloria Bai, Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, recognized the urgency of child trafficking and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to awareness and anti-trafficking clubs.
Mrs. Helen Nambativ and Mrs. Seember Saamo from the State Ministry of Education voiced strong institutional support, noting STEAP’s potential to strengthen school safety and responsiveness.
What STEAP Aims to Achieve
Rhoda Dia Johnson, ICMPD Program Manager, outlined the project’s core goals:
- Raise awareness among school communities about trafficking risks
- Train school clubs, CSOs, and relevant government bodies
- Reinforce support for reintegrated survivors
- Strengthen links between schools, CSOs, and law enforcement.
To meet these objectives, the STEAP Project in Benue State will focus on:
- Baseline and validation studies
- Capacity assessments
- Mapping of current anti-trafficking efforts
- Multi-stakeholder trainings
- Creating sustainable school and community support systems
Looking Ahead: A Blueprint for Change
The baseline assessment is only the beginning. With strong partnerships and community ownership, the STEAP Project in Benue State has the potential to redefine child protection models across Nigeria.
As implementation unfolds, we’ll continue to share stories, lessons, and practical tools. Together, we can build a future where every child is safe, informed, and free.