EAPEAN Strengthens Ties With Federal Ministry of Labour, FRCN

…Seeks Improved Regulation and Public Awareness on Fair Recruitment

The Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria (EAPEAN) has intensified its advocacy for fair recruitment and improved labour migration governance with two strategic courtesy visits to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ikoyi Lagos, and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), comprising Radio One, Bond FM, and Metro FM on Tuesday.

The visits, led by the EAPEAN President and Chairman of Council, Amb. Chief (Dr.) Nzeribe Okegbue, focused on strengthening collaboration, improving sector regulation, and enhancing public enlightenment on the dangers of patronising unlicensed recruiters.

*EAPEAN Meets Labour Ministry: Ministry Endorses Proposals for Stronger Sector Regulation*

The Federal Ministry of Labour team, led by the Zonal Director for the South-West, Ms. Mienye Badejo, the State Controller, Mr. E.A. Itemoagbo, and the Head of the Migrant Resource Centre/NELEX, Ms. Juliet Ekpenyong-Odanye, and other officials of the Ministry received the EAPEAN delegation in Lagos.

In his address, Amb. Chief Okegbue praised the longstanding partnership between both institutions and reaffirmed the Association’s foundational ties to the Ministry:

“EAPEAN was birthed through the vision of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment over seventeen years ago. The Ministry remains our principal partner in nation-building and in shaping a recruitment ecosystem anchored on decency, dignity, and global best practices.”

He emphasized the vital role of cooperation in advancing ethical and responsible employment services:

“The private employment sector cannot thrive in isolation. Our success is tied to the strength of our collaboration with the Ministry, particularly in licensing, inspection, monitoring, and labour migration governance.”

He called for strengthened joint monitoring, prioritisation of labour migration governance, action against unlicensed operators, and accelerated processing of licence applications for EAPEAN members.

*Ministry Officials Endorse EAPEAN’s Position*

Responding to EAPEAN’s proposals, Zonal Director, Ms. Mienye Badejo, commended the Association’s leadership:

“Your requests align strongly with the Ministry’s objectives for a more organised and transparent recruitment environment. We are committed to strengthening our collaboration with EAPEAN, particularly in monitoring, enforcement, and ensuring that only licensed operators function in this space.”

The State Controller, Mr. E.A. Itemoagbo, described EAPEAN as an indispensable stakeholder:

“EAPEAN has demonstrated consistent professionalism over the years. We welcome your suggestions on streamlining licensing procedures and enhancing joint inspections. Together, we can curb the menace of illegal recruiters and safeguard Nigerian workers.”

The Head of the Migrant Resource Centre/NELEX, Ms. Juliet Ekpenyong-Odanye, underscored the shared duty of migrant protection:

“Fair and safe migration is a shared responsibility. The Ministry looks forward to working more closely with EAPEAN, especially in data exchange, training, and public enlightenment so that migrants are protected from exploitation.”

The Ministry officials agreed with the EAPEAN President’s address and key requests, pledging to enhance coordination mechanisms and strengthen operational links between both institutions.

*EAPEAN Calls for Stronger Media Partnership During Visit to FRCN*

During a separate courtesy visit to the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Chief Okegbue highlighted the need for mass public sensitisation to combat the rise of unlicensed recruiters, quackery, child labour, and exploitation.

He expressed concern over increasing cases of irregular migration, trafficking, and reports of organ harvesting stemming from unethical recruitment practices:

“Every day, innocent Nigerians fall victim because they do not know the difference between a licensed recruiter and a quack. Anyone operating without a recruiter’s licence is breaking the law. The public must be enlightened – lives depend on it.”

He stressed the indispensable role of the media in safeguarding the public:

“We cannot win the battle against illegal recruitment without a strong media partnership. This is why we consider FRCN not just a broadcaster, but a national ally in the protection of workers and jobseekers.”

Okegbue also commended the Ministry and other stakeholders for their commitment to combating irregular migration, while applauding FRCN as a trusted partner in public education.

He congratulated the new Director, Lagos Operations of FRCN, Princess Adenike Adegoke, on her appointment.

*FRCN Pledges Full Collaboration*

Princess Adegoke assured EAPEAN of Radio Nigeria’s readiness to intensify public awareness:

“Regulating the outsourcing and recruitment sector is timely and necessary. With increasing reports of exploitation and organ harvesting, the media must play its role in educating citizens. FRCN will partner with EAPEAN to ensure wide public enlightenment.”

The General Manager of Metro FM, Miss Maria Ihuoma, encouraged EAPEAN to utilise the organisation’s extensive media capabilities:

“Many Nigerians still do not know the vital work EAPEAN is doing. We have flexible partnership options that can help boost your visibility and extend your message nationwide.”

*Key Representatives at the Visits*

FMLE Officials Present:
Ms. Mienye Badejo – Zonal Director, South West
Mr. E.A Itemoagbo – State Controller, Lagos
Ms. Juliet Ekpenyong-Odanye – Head, Migrant Resource Centre/NELEX
Ms. Kingsley Chucks – Labour Officer
Ms. Uchena Okon – Labour Officer
Mr. Abraham – Labour Officer
Other senior officials

FRCN Officials:
Princess Adenike Adegoke – Director, Lagos Operations
Miss Maria Ihuoma – General Manager, Metro FM
Engr. Ademola Akanbi – Deputy Director, Engineering
Mr. Wale Ajala – Head of Finance
Mr. Eso Adebayo – Head of Administration
Other senior officials

EAPEAN Delegation:
Amb. Chief Nzeribe Okegbue, PhD. – President/Chairman of Council
Otunba Tunji Balogun – Deputy President
Mrs. Perita Kimeng – Treasurer
Mr. Jide Afolabi – Executive Secretary
Ms. Chinenyenwa Arum – Accounts/Subscriptions Officer

Both the Ministry and the FRCN expressed readiness to strengthen their collaboration with EAPEAN in areas of regulation, monitoring, public enlightenment, and labour migration governance.

The visits concluded with group photographs while presenting EAPEAN branded Souvenirs comprising Notepads, Flasks, Mugs, Towels, and Pens, with renewed commitments to deepen cooperation aimed at promoting fair recruitment and protecting Nigerian workers at home and abroad.