The Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria (EAPEAN) has called on the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to increase its efforts in combating human trafficking.

Specifically, the association urged NAPTIP to focus on major international airports, such as the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos; Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and Aminu Kano International Airport, being exploited by unscrupulous operators in the industry.

President of EAPEAN, Dr. Olufemi Ogunlowo, gave the charge in a statement yesterday while he applauded NAPTIP officials, led by Binta Bello, on their successful operation and rescue of seven suspected victims of human trafficking in Abuja, recently.

He said the exercise highlighted the dangers of patronising unlicensed recruiters, who disregard the rules and regulations governing employment.

Warning that unscrupulous individuals prey on vulnerable job seekers and put their lives at risk, Ogunlowo said it was essential that job seekers exercise caution when dealing with recruitment agencies, urging them to report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.

To protect Nigerians from falling victim to human trafficking, the EAPEAN boss advised individuals seeking international employment opportunities to work only with licensed international recruiters.

According to him, it is crucial that intending migrants ask questions about the company deploying them to work abroad.

He urged job seekers to be vigilant and report suspicious activities to NAPTIP or other relevant authorities, adding that “together, we can make a difference and create a safer and more just society for all.”

Ogunlowo added: “As the umbrella organisation for licensed Private Employment Agencies (PEAs) in Nigeria, EAPEAN promotes International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards and ethical practices in the recruitment, deployment, and management of outsourced personnel.”