Senator Adams Oshiomhole has recounted how an Italian ambassador allegedly told him that Italian men could not resist Edo women during discussions on efforts to combat human trafficking between Nigeria and Italy.

Oshiomhole made the disclosure during Tuesday’s Senate plenary, where he called for both countries to address the demand for and supply of victims of human trafficking. A video of the exchange surfaced online on Thursday.

The former Edo State governor said he had met with the Speaker of the Italian Parliament, who promised technical assistance to Edo State to tackle human trafficking. However, Oshiomhole argued that Italy must also address the demand side by discouraging its citizens from patronising trafficked women.

He said he made a similar appeal to the Italian ambassador, who allegedly responded, “Your Excellency, I’m sorry, Italian people cannot resist Edo girls.”

Oshiomhole said he rejected the suggestion that the responsibility rested solely on Nigerian communities, insisting that Italian men needed reorientation. He argued that Edo and Akwa Ibom states could work to curb trafficking if the Italian government also took effective action against demand.

“The law of economics is that without demand, there will be no supply, but when demand is strong, supply will find its way,” he said, describing human trafficking as a national problem.

The senator also called for action against organised groups abroad that facilitate the trafficking of Nigerian women, warning that Nigeria should not be internationally associated with the crime.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio lightened the discussion by asking Oshiomhole whether he had tried to find out what Italians found appealing about Edo women. Oshiomhole replied that he had not, because he was “a Catholic and happily married.”

Akpabio also highlighted legal measures to combat kidnapping and related crimes, recalling that he signed a law prescribing the death penalty for kidnapping while serving as governor of Akwa Ibom State. He said the law also provided for the forfeiture and demolition of properties used in kidnapping.

The Senate President called for stronger enforcement of anti-trafficking laws and improved rehabilitation for victims returning to Nigeria. He also cited the need to review relevant legislation, including the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, and the Child Rights Act, 2003.

The Senate subsequently adopted a recommendation to strengthen the enforcement of existing anti-trafficking laws and improve rehabilitation measures for victims.