The Cross River State House of Assembly has commenced a public hearing on a bill aimed at prohibiting human trafficking and strengthening enforcement measures against the crime in the state.
The hearing brought together key stakeholders from the justice sector, security agencies, and civil society organisations to deliberate on strategies to curb the growing menace.
The proposed legislation, which has already passed second reading, seeks to provide a comprehensive legal framework that will enhance coordination among relevant agencies in tackling human trafficking.
Chairman of the House Committee overseeing the process, Davies Etta on Thursday at the Assembly Complex in Calabar,, described human trafficking as a form of modern-day slavery, noting that many victims are deceived with promises of employment and better living conditions.
He emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the state government and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons to effectively address the challenge.
Also speaking, the sponsor of the bill, Brian Odey, said the increasing rate of trafficking cases in his constituency and neighbouring communities prompted the proposed legislation.
He expressed concern that vulnerable young girls and other residents are often lured by traffickers with false promises of jobs abroad, only to end up in exploitative conditions.
Odey described human trafficking as a fast-growing criminal enterprise driven by poverty, unemployment, and lack of awareness, warning that without a strong legal framework, more residents could fall victim to trafficking syndicates.
According to him, the bill is designed to establish a coordinated, state-wide response involving law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, civil society organisations, and community leaders to dismantle trafficking networks.
“This bill is born out of necessity. Our communities are becoming breeding grounds for traffickers. We cannot continue to watch our daughters and sons being lured away with false promises. The state must act decisively to protect its citizens,” he said.
He added that many communities have witnessed a disturbing trend of young people leaving under suspicious circumstances, with families later discovering that their relatives had been trafficked.
The public hearing forms part of the legislative process aimed at strengthening institutional response, improving inter-agency collaboration, and providing better protection for victims of human trafficking in Cross River State.
