ABSTRACT
International and local policies or legislations exist on Child Trafficking. However, it remains a serious public health concern in many parts of the world particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. This paper explores Family socio economic status and child trafficking in calabar municipal. And proffers appropriate solution. It involves illegal recruitment and movement of children for the purpose of exploitation. Different factors predispose to trafficking in the country, mainly due to social, political or economic reasons. Of recent, the phenomenon of Baby factory becomes very common in some parts of the country, leading to young girls mobilized into the trafficking cycle and giving birth to children for sale in black markets. Trafficking occurs either locally within the country or internationally through various routes, across all the geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Various health implications associated with trafficking exist, these include physical, mental or sexual consequences, hence, the study outline existing legislations, barriers and ways of controlling the menace. Objective: To determine Family socio economic status and child trafficking in calabar municipal, cross River State, Nigeria. The study was purposely or judgmentally sampled. The used of judgment in selecting the area as a case study with specific purpose. It was based on judgment that this area will facilitate the investigation. They were children and publics that are readily accessible and were very cheap and quick to implement. The research design used in conducting this study was the survey method. This design is used because it allows for the drawing of inferences. It is a survey research that studies the population by selecting samples chosen from the population to discover the distribution and interrelations of variables. The instrument of data collection was a validated designed, interviewer administered semistructured questionnaire. The hypotheses were tested using Chi-Square at a predetermined 0.05 level of significance. The quantitative data were analysed with the aid of Chi-square. Results: The results indicated among others that child trafficking occurred as a result of low socio economic status of parents, lack of orientation and empowerments. The study recommended that, child right act instrument and its implementation should be strengthened in order to curb child trafficking in the study area.In view of the numerous negative effects of child trafficking, government should implement and enforce the legislation addressing child trafficking in Nigeria and also set up poverty alleviation programmes headed by the social workers.The study therefore, concluded that the government of Cross River State in conjunction with the social workers should carry out an enlightenment campaign through the media and religious institutions on the negative consequences of child trafficking.