Nigeria Immigration Service and FIIAPP Launched Smuggling of Migrants Drama Club in Collaboration with support from European Union.

Mrs. Caroline Wuruola Adepoju, the Acting Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), inaugurated the Smuggling of Migrants Drama Club at the NIS headquarters in Abuja. This initiative is aimed at raising awareness about the pressing issues on smuggling of migrants in Nigeria.

The establishment of the drama club comes as a collaborative effort with FIIAPP (International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies) under the Action Against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants Project (A-TIPSOM) which is funded by the European Union.

In her opening remark, Mrs. Caroline Wuruola Adepoju expressed her appreciation for the support and collaboration with FIIAPP, emphasizing the significance of leveraging creative mediums to tackle such challenging issues. She stated, “We, at the Nigeria Immigration Service, are committed to combatting human trafficking and smuggling of migrants, and we believe that the power of storytelling through drama can play a pivotal role in educating the public about these grave crimes.”

The Drama Club aims to utilize the art of theater to captivate audiences and deliver impactful messages on the dangers and consequences of smuggling of migrants.  

In his remark, the #ATIPSOM Project’s team leader, Mr. Federico Millan expressed delight in supporting the Nigeria Immigration Service to establish the drama club. He highlighted the potential of drama and short films in breaking down barriers, encouraging conversations, and inspiring behavioral change in society. He said, “Through the powerful medium of drama, we aim to engage the audience emotionally and intellectually, fostering empathy and understanding for victims of human trafficking and smuggled migrants.”

According to Federico, this collaboration between the Nigeria Immigration Service and FIIAPP signifies a significant step in the ongoing efforts to combat smuggling of migrants in the country. By employing creative arts as a means of education and advocacy, NIS will contribute to the eradication of these illicit practices and safeguard vulnerable populations from falling prey to traffickers and smugglers.