The recent investigative reports out of Nigeria have shone a spotlight on how affordable smartphones, encrypted messaging apps, and mobile payments are reshaping the underground sex industry. What was once visible on the streets and in brothels is now moving into private chats, hidden social media groups, and digital transactions.

This shift shows how technology, while powerful and enabling, can also create new vulnerabilities—especially for women, youth, and those struggling economically. In Nigeria, many have turned to online platforms out of survival needs, using secret codes on messaging apps and receiving payment through mobile money systems. Studies have confirmed that digital sex work is rising, often outside the reach of law enforcement.

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Why Vanuatu and the Pacific Must Pay Attention

Vanuatu and our Pacific islands may seem far removed from Africa’s challenges, but the same ingredients are here:

• Cheap smartphones are widely available.
• Social media use is very high, especially among young people.
• Mobile money and digital payments are growing rapidly.
• Economic hardship often pushes vulnerable people to look for survival alternatives.

This combination makes us vulnerable to the same risks Nigeria is facing. Once such underground practices take root online, they are extremely difficult to monitor or control.

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Chiefs, Churches, and Education Are Our Frontline

While governments may try to regulate technology, the reality is that we cannot fully stop these global digital trends. What we can do is strengthen our cultural and social shields:

• Churches must continue to preach not only morality but also digital awareness—helping young people understand the dangers of online exploitation.
• Chiefs and traditional leaders need to guide communities, upholding values that protect families and youth from being lured into underground digital trades.
• Schools and education systems should integrate digital literacy and ethics so that students can navigate the online world safely.
• Community awareness programs are vital—so that parents, teachers, and leaders recognize the warning signs and know how to respond.

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A Pacific-Wide Concern

This is not just a Nigerian story, nor just a Vanuatu issue—it is a Pacific-wide concern. As our islands become more digitally connected, we also become more exposed to global risks, from cyber scams to hidden online sex markets. The answer lies not only in policy and policing but also in community, culture, and education.

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Final Thought:
Technology is here to stay. It can either empower our people or exploit our people. The choice depends on how ready we are to combine the strength of our churches, chiefs, and classrooms to guide the next generation.