Abstract
For decades now, the phenomenon of child trafficking has generated global outcries that necessitated the introduction of conventions, protocols and a range of policy measures at international, national and regional levels to address this issue. However, while these legal standards endeavour to combat this menace, child traffickers in Nigeria seem to have switched to another line of operation commonly referred to as ‘baby factories’. This new venture involves the establishment of structures where pregnant girls are kept until delivery, and their babies are sold like commodities to diverse clients. Efforts by the State through its security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to combat this phenomenon have been fruitless. Rather, the problem has escalated and the victims are helpless in the hands of ruthless traffickers. While many studies have been conducted on child trafficking in Nigeria, little is known about the scourge of these baby factories. To this end, the objective of this article is to present a portrait of the baby factory phenomenon in Nigeria. The precipitating factors that fuel the trade are discussed, and suggestions for an enduring approach to combat this crime are offered.