UNODCs Country programme for Nigeria addresses drug and crime control priorities and focuses on partnerships with

key stakeholders. CONIGs expanding programme portfolio centers around judicial and prison reform, anti- corruption, drug control and the fight against other transnational organized crime. It also aims at better services for victims of human trafficking, drug abusers, and HIV-AIDS risk groups. UNODC Nigeria is located at Central Bank of Nigeria, Prefab 5, P.M.B. 2851, Garki, Abuja. We welcome comments and feedback. Please contact CONIG.Newsletter@unodc.org FEBRUARY 2012

DRUG PREVENTION, TREATMENT AND CARE

Launch of the 2011 International Narcotics Control Board Report.
The annual report of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) was jointly launched in Nigeria on 28 February 2012 by UNODC, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the National Drug law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The Report focuses on the subject theme of addressing social disintegration in marginalised communities. UNODCs Representative, Ms. Mariam Sissoko, presented key findings of the Report, including on the African region. Regional highlights of the Report show that cannabis is the most widely cultivated and abused drug in the continent. According to INCB, an estimated 3.8 to 10.4 percent of the African population aged 15-64 years, representing between 21.6 million and 59.1 million people abuse cannabis. Available data indicates that cannabis accounts for 64% of all drug treatment related problems in Africa. In its recommendations to Governments of the West African region, the Board advised vigilance with regards to the risk of amphetamine-type stimulants taking a hold in the region and the implementation of measures to address the problem. The launch of the report was hosted by the Director General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii and attended by stakeholders and members of the diplomatic community. For a copy of the INCB Report 2011, please visit - http://www.incb.org/incb/en/annual-report-2011.html

ANTI - HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND SMUGGLING OF MIGRANTS

UNODC/NAPTIP Prepare for Community Dialogues in Cross River State
On 14-17 February, a fact finding mission was carried out in Ikom and Yala Local Government Areas in CrossRiver State. The purpose of the mission was to consult and elicit the support of stakeholders in preparation for community dialogue activities planned for April. Several consultative meetings were held with stakeholders from various institutions including but not limited to the Local and traditional leaders.

Mainstreaming Gender in Anti- Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants

A roundtable was convened by UNODC under the European Union funded project Promoting Better Management of Migration in Nigeria By Combating and Reducing Irregular Migration on 12 February 2012, to critically examine gender and the complex dimensions of the issues surrounding Trafficking in Persons (TIP) as well as Smuggling of Migrants (SOM) between Nigeria and Europe. The interactive session drew participants representing the core organizations working on TIP and SOM. Using case studies on TIP and SOM, participants considered and made recommendations on how they would integrate gender in the work of their respective institutions. The recommendations from the workshop are currently being prepared and will be shared with the leadership of the participating institutions for their adoption.

UNODC Hosts Stakeholders Workshop for Three New European Union Funded projects
On 27 29 February, UNODC held three project pre implementation workshops with stakeholders on three upcoming European Union funded projects in the areas of Drugs and Organized Crime, Anti-corruption and Justice Sector Reform. The National Planning Commission (NPC) chaired the workshops which created an opportunity for national stakeholders to review the project documents and logical frameworks, make comments and suggest amendments to the documents. Among others, representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Nigerian Police Force, National Human Rights Commission, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Anti- Corruption Agencies and the Judiciary participated in the workshops. Mr Alan Munday, the Head of Section Political Governance and Democracy, European Union Delegation in Nigeria, explained that the workshops were a crucial step aimed at reviewing and updating activities to be supported by the European Development Fund. Mr. Munday noted that the workshop allowed participants to redefine the interventions if necessary as well as ensure that the knowledge and priorities of the Nigerian Government and Agencies are fully taken into account. A compilation of the recommendations received at the workshops will be presented to the Heads of all the relevant Agencies for their validation.

News in Brief
On 8-10 February, UNODC and Girls Power Initiative (a local NGO in Edo State) carried out an awareness raising workshop for secondary school students in Benin City, under the EU funded project Enhancing MultiStakeholder Cooperation to Fight Human Trafficking in Countries of Origin and Destination jointly implemented by UNODC, IOM and EXIT.

Upcoming Events in March 2012

5 28 March - Baseline assessment on the level of awareness on TIP and Smuggling of Migrants in Anambra, Benue, Cross-River, Edo, Kano, Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory. 15 March - Stakeholders Roundtable to consider assessment and gap analysis of the Trafficking In Persons (Prohibition) law Enforcement and Administration Act 2003 as Amended 19 March - High Level Project Briefing Session and Official Signing of Financial Agreement of EU support to Anti Corruption Project