By Mary Bassey, House of Assembly Correspondent
The Cross River State 10th House of Assembly has decided to take major step to curb human trafficking in the state.
The Bill, “Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Bill, 2025,” is sponsored by Hon. Brian Odey Yala 1 State Constituency, seeks to provide a strong legal framework to prevent human trafficking, prosecute offenders, and protect victims across the state.
“Human trafficking remains a significant challenge in Cross River State, fueled by poverty, unemployment, family breakdown, and socio-environmental factors. The state’s proximity to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea makes it both a source and a transit route for trafficked persons.
“Victims are often exploited for forced labor, commercial sex work, organ harvesting, and domestic servitude, with many transported to other parts of Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
Odey stressed that the bill comprises 27 sections, addressing critical areas such as the establishment of the State Taskforce on Trafficking, prohibition of human trafficking, criminalization of sexual exploitation, and jurisdiction for prosecuting offenders. He emphasized that the bill would give the state stronger legal backing to combat trafficking and provide necessary protections for victims.
The Lawmakers in reaction supported the bill, saying its importance in protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong representing Boki 2 State Constituency, described human trafficking as a criminal offense that must be tackled decisively, stressing that victims should be protected while offenders are prosecuted.
Rt. Hon. Francis Asuquo of Odukpani State Constituency noted that domesticating the anti-trafficking law would enhance protections for vulnerable groups and set a clear legal standard within the state.
Hon. Martin Achadu representing Yala 2 State Constituency, likened human trafficking to a modern-day slave trade, calling for swift passage of the bill to put an end to the menace.
In contribution, the Speaker of the House Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem charged the House to take the bill seriously, emphasizing that trafficking is a grave crime that must be met with strict punishment.
He reaffirmed that the 10th Assembly remains committed to protecting every Cross Riverian and would take all necessary steps to ensure the bill becomes law.