FEDAN Urges Drivers to Champion Road Safety and Integrity in Fight Against Human Trafficking
Oru Leonard
AThe Female Drivers Association of Nigeria (FEDAN), a prominent member of the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), is actively joining the global community in the fight to end human trafficking. Partnering with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), FEDAN fully supports the 2025 theme: “Human Trafficking is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation.”
Recognizing transportation’s vital role in national development, FEDAN urged all drivers to embrace their responsibility as citizens, safeguard passengers, and actively distance themselves from any involvement in human trafficking.
FEDAN understands that for drivers, human trafficking means that vehicles, like any other form of transportation, can unfortunately become tools for criminals. “It’s when individuals are moved—often through force, threats, or lies—with the sole aim of exploiting them. This exploitation could involve forcing them into labor, begging, or sexual abuse.
As a driver, you must recognize that traffickers rely on vehicles like ours to move victims discreetly, hoping to go unnoticed. This makes it crucial for you to remain vigilant, recognize the signs, and report anything suspicious to help stop these terrible crimes”, FEDAN President, Ambassador Eunice Odeghe explained.
Drivers: Pillars of Safety and Integrity
Transportation is a critical sector, and drivers are central to the movement of people and goods, significantly contributing to economic growth. This pivotal role, however, comes with a profound responsibility for road safety and upholding the law.
“Our roads must be safe havens for individuals and their goods, not conduits for exploitation,” stated Amb. Eunice Odeghe, Founder/President of FEDAN. “As an association representing women in the transport sector, we understand the immense trust placed in drivers. We urge every driver to be a role model, ensuring the protection of their passengers and actively rejecting any form of human trafficking in their vehicles or communities.”
FEDAN emphasizes that participating in human trafficking—whether by assisting, carrying, or supporting a trafficker—constitutes a severe criminal offense with dire legal consequences. Drivers are warned that complicity, even unknowingly, can lead to liability. The association reminds drivers that their primary duty is to support their families and contribute positively to community development, not to engage in illicit activities.
Beyond addressing drivers, FEDAN has also extended an urgent appeal to parents and guardians to remain vigilant and protect their children from the dangers of human trafficking. As women in the transport sector, FEDAN specifically calls on other women to strengthen their financial independence, empowering themselves to have a stronger voice and provide greater support within their families.
“Human trafficking is illegal, it’s a criminal act, and it’s unequivocally wrong,” Amb. Odeghe added. “We strongly encourage all drivers and passengers to speak out and report any suspected human trafficking crime directly to FEDAN or NAPTIP. Your courage can save lives and protect our communities.”
About the Female Drivers Association of Nigeria (FEDAN):
The Female Drivers Association of Nigeria (FEDAN) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering women in the transport sector, promoting road safety, advocating for professional driving standards, and contributing to national development.
About the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP):
NAPTIP is a Nigerian law enforcement agency established to combat human trafficking and other related offenses. It is responsible for investigating, prosecuting, and rehabilitating victims of human trafficking, as well as raising public awareness about the crime.
About Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL):
NACTAL is an umbrella organization of Nigerian non-governmental organizations engaged in advocacy and campaigns for children’s rights, anti-human trafficking, human rights abuse, and child labor.
Media Contact: Female Drivers Association of Nigeria (FEDAN) Email: feamledriversassociation@gmail.com
Phone: 07073974003
