Ibadan, Nigeria & Accra, Ghana – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) with funding from the U.S. Department of State's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP Office), held a lessons learned workshop for the Enhanced Reintegration Support to Survivors of Trafficking (ERS) project in Ibadan, Nigeria, on 2 September 2024, and in Accra, Ghana, on 6 September 2024. The workshops marked the conclusion of a 20-month initiative aimed at providing long-term support to survivors of human trafficking.

Launched in October 2022, the ERS project has successfully assisted 58 survivors from Nigeria and Ghana by offering comprehensive reintegration services including social and psychosocial support, business mentorship, and business skills development trainings.

Ms. Aida Zecevic, Head of the Counter-Trafficking and Protection Unit and Donor Relations Officer, IOM Washington, emphasized the project’s impact during the Ibadan workshop: “The ERS Project has been a testament to what we can achieve when we collaborate across borders and sectors. By addressing the unique needs of trafficking survivors, we not only support their reintegration but also contribute to the broader fight against human trafficking. The lessons we have learned will guide future efforts to ensure that every survivor can rebuild their life with dignity and hope.”

Participants, including representatives from government, NGOs, and project beneficiaries, identified opportunities to enhance future strategies for supporting trafficking survivors. The outcomes of this project will also contribute to the development of evidence-based policies and programs aimed at supporting vulnerable populations.  Mr. Alex Oturu, South-West Zonal Coordinator representing the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and IDPs (NCFRMI) in Nigeria, said: “Government involvement is crucial in sustaining the progress made through projects like ERS. We have seen firsthand the transformative impact on survivors when there is a coordinated effort between government agencies, NGOs, and the international community. The success of these survivors reflects our collective responsibility and commitment to providing continued support.”

The workshops served as a platform to present key findings from the final project evaluation, review recommendations, and share the key lessons learned and best practices. These workshops were pivotal for all participants, as they addressed the challenges faced during the project, analyzed the data collected, and discussed the implications of the findings.

Ms. Christiana Asante, a business mentor for beneficiaries in Ghana, also shared insights on the impact of mentorship on the survivors. “Mentorship goes beyond just business skills; it’s about building confidence and resilience. The survivors have shown incredible growth, not just economically but also in their self-belief and determination to succeed. By supporting them in setting up their businesses, we are helping them secure a future where they can thrive independently and inspire others in their communities.”

Mr. Benjamin Avenda, Project Assistant from IOM Nigeria, highlighted the importance of community involvement and sustainable support systems. “One of the critical lessons we've learned is that reintegration goes beyond immediate relief. It requires long-term commitment and the involvement of local communities. Our work in Nigeria has shown that when communities are empowered to support survivors, the outcomes are far more sustainable. We’ve seen remarkable progress in the lives of those we’ve supported, and this is just the beginning.”

The evaluation also included field visits to project beneficiaries in both Nigeria and Ghana, allowing participants to observe the progress and impact the reintegration services provided. These visits offered valuable insights into the practical application of the project’s strategies and the ongoing challenges survivors face.

The ERS Project has also underscored the need for tailored approaches that consider the specific contexts of different regions. Mr. Edem Semordzi, Project Assistant from IOM Ghana, spoke about the unique challenges faced in Ghana and the innovative solutions developed. “In Ghana, the challenges are multifaceted, from economic instability to social stigma. However, by providing targeted support and business mentorship, we’ve been able to equip survivors with the tools they need to overcome these challenges. They also were able to empower other young girls -female head porters (kayayei)- through what we called the survivor- led mentorship, which was very innovative, bringing the survivors together to advocate for other young girls and empower them. Our field visits have shown us the tangible difference these interventions have made in their lives.”

The final evaluation report, discussed in detail during the workshops, will serve as a crucial resource for future programs aimed at supporting survivors of trafficking. It highlights the successes of the ERS Project, such as increased economic independence among beneficiaries and improved mental health outcomes, while also pointing out areas for improvement, including the need for more robust data collection methods.

Oluwatosin* (not her real name) a Nigerian beneficiary said: “The ERS Project has been instrumental in who I am today; it has helped me to rebuild my life, and I can confidently speak on behalf of my other sisters that we are doing very well and even supporting each other in our business ventures.”

The workshops concluded with a call to action for continued collaboration and innovation in the fight against human trafficking.

For more information, please contact:

In Washington: Aida Zecevic, Head of the Counter-Trafficking and Protection Unit and Donor Relations Officer, IOM Washington, at: azecevic@iom.int

In Ghana: Edem Semordzi, Reintegration Assistant, IOM Ghana, at: esemordzi@iom.int

In Nigeria: Francois-Xavier Ada, Public Information Officer, at: fadaaffana@iom.int