Senator Oshiomhole addresses human trafficking demand in Italy

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called for increased cooperation between Nigeria and Italy to combat human trafficking, emphasizing the need to address the demand side of the trade. During a Senate plenary session, the former Edo State governor argued that while Nigerian authorities can work to manage the supply of victims, foreign governments must take responsibility for discouraging their citizens from patronizing trafficked women.

Oshiomhole recounted an alleged conversation with an Italian ambassador in which the diplomat reportedly stated, “Your Excellency, I'm sorry, Italian people cannot resist Edo girls.” The senator challenged this sentiment, insisting that Italian authorities must educate and reorient their citizens to reduce the demand that fuels trafficking networks.

He further noted that while the Speaker of the Italian Parliament has promised technical assistance to Edo State to address the supply side, such efforts remain incomplete without tackling the economic drivers of demand. Oshiomhole also raised concerns regarding trafficking routes, claiming some victims have traveled through the Italian embassy rather than traditional routes like Libya.