The two-day Africa Colloquium Against Human Trafficking, which began on Thursday, October 23, 2025, was formally concluded with a closing dinner hosted by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice The event took place on Friday evening at the Radisson Blu Hotel,GRA, Ikeja.
In his closing remarks, Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, expressed profound gratitude to all delegates and partners for their participation and valuable contributions. He described the colloquium as a significant milestone in strengthening Africa’s unified response to human trafficking and exploitation.
Pedro reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to enhancing regional collaboration, supporting survivors, and enforcing stronger legal measures to combat trafficking and ritual crimes. He emphasized that Lagos would continue to spearhead initiatives promoting justice, dignity, and protection for all.
Professor Cameron McCollum, Director of the Sudreau Global Justice Institute at Pepperdine University, commended participants for their courage in confronting such a difficult and often taboo subject. He noted that the discussions over the past two days had “shed light on a darkness long left unspoken,” and stressed that collective determination is essential for lasting change.
McCollum also praised the Lagos State Government for its hospitality and leadership, describing the coordination of the Attorney General as instrumental to the colloquium’s success. He expressed confidence that the colloquium’s impact would extend beyond Nigeria, inspiring a sustained continental effort against human trafficking and ritual abuse.
The event provided a powerful platform for delegates to reflect on the key outcomes of the colloquium and reaffirm their shared commitment to combating human trafficking and ritual abuse across Africa.
