2026 Budget: Senate Seeks Increased Funding To Tackle Human Trafficking, Support Vulnerable Groups
The Senate Committee on Special Duties has called for increased budgetary allocations to key social protection agencies, citing growing concerns over rising human trafficking cases, lack of reliable disability data, and inadequate welfare support for senior citizens.
The call was made on Tuesday during the 2026 budget defence session and review of the 2024/2025 performance of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), and the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC).
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, described the surge in human trafficking as disturbing and unacceptable.
“I don’t see why trafficking should be increasing in Nigeria. Every day there are reports. This is an Assembly, and we cannot fold our arms while this continues,” he stated.
The Committee stressed the need for enhanced funding to enable NAPTIP strengthen victim protection services and intensify prosecution of traffickers.
In its presentation, NAPTIP disclosed that it currently operates 15 shelters across the country where rescued victims are housed, counselled, rehabilitated, trained, and empowered before reintegration. However, the agency noted that while it funds shelter operations, rehabilitation and empowerment programmes are largely supported by development partners—an arrangement it described as unsustainable.
“We are victim-centred. Any victim we receive must be sheltered, counselled, trained and empowered before reintegration. Most of the time, we rely on development partners to do this, which is not good enough,” the agency said.
The Committee also directed closer collaboration between the Nigerian Police Force and NAPTIP, insisting that trafficking cases handled by police formations be promptly transferred to NAPTIP state commands for proper action.
Meanwhile, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities highlighted the absence of credible national data on persons living with disabilities. The Executive Secretary informed lawmakers that although estimates put the figure at about eight million, there is no verified data from relevant government institutions.
“We visited agencies including the National Population Commission, but there is no authentic number yet. We are working towards an accurate national count to support policymakers and development partners,” he said.
The Commission appealed for dedicated funding to conduct a comprehensive national enumeration, stressing that credible data is essential for effective planning, budgeting and inclusive policy implementation.
Responding, Senator Lawan acknowledged the importance of the Commission’s mandate, describing persons with disabilities as a significant segment of the population.
“If we help you, we are helping ourselves,” he assured, pledging legislative support.
The National Senior Citizens Centre also raised concerns over major funding gaps affecting elderly welfare programmes nationwide. The agency cited inadequate provisions for healthcare access, nutrition support, social protection and care facilities for older persons.
Officials further disclosed an urgent accommodation challenge, revealing that the Centre may soon vacate its current office space without an alternative facility for over 140 staff members.
“We are confronted with an urgent accommodation challenge. We do not have sufficient care centres for the elderly, and healthcare coverage for senior citizens remains inadequate. These interventions are not optional; they are essential to preserving dignity and quality of life,” the agency stated.
The Centre called for specific allocations in the 2026 budget to support elderly nutrition, healthcare services, energy needs and broader welfare programmes at federal and state levels.
In his closing remarks, Senator Lawan commended the agencies for operating under difficult conditions and assured them of the Committee’s commitment to addressing their concerns.
“We have noted your challenges. This committee will look into your problems and do the needful. We are committed to ensuring you receive the necessary support,” he said.
The 2026 budget defence session reflects growing legislative focus on social protection, with the Senate signalling readiness to push for stronger institutional support and improved funding for anti-trafficking efforts, disability inclusion, and elderly welfare nationwide.
