The bill, which has already passed second reading, is designed to provide a legal framework that brings all relevant stakeholders together to combat the scourge of human trafficking in the state.
By TheInvestigator
The Cross River State House of Assembly has convened a public hearing on a bill seeking to prohibit human trafficking and strengthen enforcement measures against the crime in the state.
The hearing, held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the Assembly Complex, brought together key stakeholders from the justice sector, security agencies, and civil society organisations to deliberate on strategies to curb the growing menace of human trafficking.
Among those in attendance were representatives of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr Ededem Ani from the Ministry of Justice; the State Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Dr Godwin Eyake; Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Argungu, who represented the Commissioner of Police; as well as representatives from the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Department of State Services. Also present was the Zonal Coordinator of the Network of Civil Society Against Human Trafficking and Child Labour, alongside other civil society organisations.
The bill, which has already passed second reading, is designed to provide a legal framework that brings all relevant stakeholders together to combat the scourge of human trafficking in the state.
Chairman of the House Committee overseeing the process, Rt Hon Davies Etta, described human trafficking as a form of modern-day slavery, noting that many victims are deceived into exploitative situations under the promise of employment opportunities.
He emphasised the state government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons to address the issue more effectively.
Speaking to journalists, the sponsor of the bill, Hon Brian Wonah Odey, said he was motivated to introduce the legislation due to the alarming rate of trafficking incidents in his constituency and neighbouring areas. He noted that vulnerable young girls are frequently targeted by traffickers who lure them with false promises of employment opportunities abroad, only to subject them to exploitation.
He described human trafficking as a silent but rapidly expanding criminal enterprise that thrives on poverty, unemployment, and lack of awareness, warning that without a strong legal framework, the state risks losing more young people to criminal networks.
According to the lawmaker, the proposed legislation is not merely symbolic. Still, it is intended to establish a coordinated, state-wide response involving law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, civil society, and community leaders to dismantle trafficking syndicates operating within and beyond the state.
He further stressed that the situation has reached a critical point, noting that communities are witnessing a steady pattern of young people leaving under suspicious circumstances, with many families later discovering that their children have been trafficked.
“This bill is born out of necessity,” he said. “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.”
The public hearing forms part of the legislative process aimed at strengthening institutional response, improving coordination among agencies, and providing stronger legal protection for victims of human trafficking in Cross River State.