By Edem Ekpo
The Cross River State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Edema Irom, has renewed calls for stricter legislation and coordinated regional action to combat the growing menace of human trafficking in the South-South region, describing it as a “silent emergency” demanding urgent national attention.
Hon. Irom made the call in her goodwill message during the recent commemoration of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, held in Abuja.
The annual event—observed globally on July 30—brought together policymakers, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners to evaluate emerging trends and develop lasting solutions.
Decrying the alarming rise in trafficking cases, Hon. Irom lamented how unsuspecting children and youths from rural communities in Cross River and neighboring states are being lured with fake promises of lucrative jobs abroad, only to end up as victims of child labor and sexual exploitation in neighboring African countries, Libya, and parts of Europe.
“We cannot continue to pretend this issue does not exist,” she said. “Our children are being lured with false promises of jobs and a better life, only to be turned into domestic slaves or sex workers. This is modern-day slavery—and it must stop.”
She attributed the persistent threat to porous borders, weak enforcement mechanisms, and inadequate legal penalties. She urged the National Assembly and state legislatures—particularly in the South-South geopolitical zone—to enact and enforce tougher anti-trafficking laws.
Hon. Irom further called for a multi-pronged strategy that includes enhanced law enforcement, tighter border controls, grassroots sensitization, survivor rehabilitation, and stronger collaboration between federal and state agencies.
“There is an urgent need not only to prosecute traffickers but to protect and reintegrate survivors,” she added. “The future of our rural children—girls and boys alike—is at stake.”
Also speaking at the event, the Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Hon. Binta Adamu Bello, expressed deep concern over the growing sophistication of trafficking syndicates operating across Nigeria.
She emphasized the need for a united and sustained national response to dismantle these criminal networks and provide comprehensive support for victims.
Highlighting Cross River’s proactive stance against human trafficking, the NAPTIP DG commended the State Commandant, Dr. Godwin Eyake, for his outstanding leadership and commitment—efforts that earned him a prestigious Award of Excellence.
“Cross River now ranks among the top five states in Nigeria in terms of anti-trafficking efforts and response,” she noted. “This is due to the pragmatic leadership and proactive measures deployed under the command of Dr. Eyake. The award is a recognition of his sterling qualities and distinguished service.”
In his remarks, Dr. Eyake expressed gratitude for the honor, describing it as a renewed call to intensify the fight against human trafficking in all its forms.
He advocated for a holistic and sustained approach anchored on strong legislation, victim-centered care, community education, and international collaboration to curb the trafficking of women, girls, and youths for forced labor and sexual exploitation.