EAPEAN Elects New Leaders, Warns Firms Against Minimum Wage, Labour Law Violations

By Our Reporter

The Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria (EAPEAN) has vowed to clamp down on firms that fail to comply with the national minimum wage or violate decent work standards, describing such practices as unacceptable in today’s evolving labour market.

Speaking at the Association’s 14th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos, the newly elected President and Chairman of Council, Ambassador (Chief) Nzeribe Okegbue, PhD, said EAPEAN will work closely with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to ensure the full enforcement of the ₦70,000 minimum wage and promote fair, safe, and equitable employment practices across sectors.

“We can no longer remain silent on issues that undermine workers’ dignity,” Chief Okegbue said. “For us, decent work starts with decent pay. You cannot talk about decent work when workers earn between ₦20,000 and ₦50,000 a month. That is unacceptable and contrary to the principles of fairness and productivity. Our administration will strengthen EAPEAN’s structures and deepen collaboration with regulatory and international partners, including the ILO and IOM, to promote responsible employment.”

He emphasized that EAPEAN under his leadership will drive policy engagement, industry compliance, and public advocacy to ensure employers uphold workers’ rights and improve workplace conditions.

Delivering his valedictory address, the immediate past President, Dr. Olufemi Ogunlowo, FAOPN, reflected on Nigeria’s difficult business environment, citing high inflation, infrastructure gaps, and restrictive policies as major hurdles facing the private employment sector. Despite these, he commended members for their resilience and commitment to ethical standards.

“The new wage regime has increased costs, while inflation continues to erode margins,” Ogunlowo noted. “But we must not compromise on decent work, fair recruitment, and digital transformation. Our sector must continue to evolve responsibly and protect both employers and workers.”

Dr. Ogunlowo highlighted key milestones achieved during his tenure, including the formal registration of the Association under the Trade Unions Act, expansion of its membership to over 300 licensed agencies, improved financial performance, the launch of a redesigned website, and enhanced international partnerships with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), International Organisation for Migration (IOM), GIZ and IRARA among others.
He described EAPEAN’s transformation from HuCaPAN to a fully recognized employer’s association body as a historic step that elevates its status as the authoritative voice for ethical private employment in Nigeria.

The AGM also witnessed the election of new National Executive Council (NEC) members, with the following officials emerging:
• Amb. (Chief) Nzeribe Okegbue, PhD – President/Chairman of Council
• Otunba Tunji Balogun – Deputy President
• Deacon Ofe Phillip Orighomisan – 1st Vice President
• Mr. Rex Bamidele Jacob – 2nd Vice President
• Mrs. Gloria Oghifo – 3rd Vice President
• Mrs. Perita Kimeng – Treasurer
• Mr. Enemigin Aderemi Oritseneye – Publicity Secretary

The immediate past President, Dr. Olufemi Ogunlowo, and the former 2nd Vice President were named Ex-Officio members, while Mr. Olajide Afolabi retained his position as Executive Secretary.

The well-attended event drew dignitaries from government, labour, and the private sector, including the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, represented by Mr. Joseph Akpan, Director of Employment and Wages; representatives of Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA); officials of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM); the International Returns and Reintegration Assistance (IRARA); the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM); and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

Also present were the Registrar of Trade Unions, Mr. Rabiu Shuaibu, senior officials from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and representatives of various ministries, departments, and agencies. The ILO Country Director for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, Dr. Vanessa Phala, sent her goodwill message and commendation for EAPEAN’s leadership in promoting decent work and ethical labour migration.

Founded as the umbrella body for licensed Private Employment Agencies (PEAs) in Nigeria, EAPEAN continues to advocate for fair recruitment, workers’ protection, and adherence to international labour standards. The Association reaffirmed its commitment to partner with government, social partners, and international organizations to advance decent work and strengthen Nigeria’s employment services sector.

“Our vision is to build a transparent and fair labour market that benefits both employers and employees,” Chief Okegbue concluded. “We will continue to serve as the bridge between government, the private sector, and global labour communities to promote sustainable employment in Nigeria.”