Cross River Assembly
Godsent Ogbebor
The Cross River State House of Assembly has taken a significant step toward curbing human trafficking, as a new bill aimed at tackling the menace passed its second reading on Thursday.
The bill, sponsored by Brian Odey, who represents Yala 1 State Constituency, seeks to provide a robust legal framework to prevent trafficking, prosecute offenders, and protect victims.
Describing human trafficking as a major challenge in Cross River, lawmakers cited poverty, unemployment, family breakdown, and socio-environmental factors as key drivers.
The state’s proximity to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea makes it both a source and transit route for trafficked persons, who are often exploited for forced labor, commercial sex work, organ harvesting, and domestic servitude.
Presenting the bill, Odey highlighted its 27 sections, which cover the establishment of a State Taskforce on Trafficking, criminalization of sexual exploitation and child labor, and legal jurisdiction for prosecuting offenders.
He stressed that the bill would strengthen legal action against traffickers and provide essential protections for victims.
Read more: Governor Abiodun Rewards Ogun Polytechnic Best Graduating Students with N7.5m
King Charles and Queen Camilla to Meet Pope Francis in April Visit to Vatican
Lawmakers unanimously supported the bill, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding vulnerable citizens. Hilary Bisong (Boki 2) called for decisive action, noting that human trafficking is a criminal offense that must be eradicated.
Francis Asuquo (Odukpani) added that domesticating the anti-trafficking law would provide clearer legal standards and better protection for at-risk groups.
Martin Achadu (Yala 2) likened human trafficking to modern-day slavery and urged the Assembly to expedite the bill’s passage.
Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, reinforced the urgency of addressing the issue, declaring that trafficking is a grave crime requiring strict punishment.
He assured that the 10th Assembly remains committed to ensuring the bill is passed into law and fully enforced to protect Cross River residents from exploitation.
