EAPEAN Strengthens Collaboration with ILO, NAPTIP; Advocates Labour Justice at International Forum

The Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria (EAPEAN) has intensified its advocacy for fair and ethical recruitment, safe migration, and improved labour justice systems following high-level engagements with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Abuja.

Leading the EAPEAN delegation, the President/Chairman of Council, Amb. Chief Nzeribe Okegbue, PhD. paid a courtesy visit to the Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, Dr. Vanessa Phala, at the UN Building, Abuja.

Also present at the meeting were Mr. Austin Erameh, Ms. Emeka Anuna, and Ms. Grace Orshio, while the EAPEAN team included the 2nd Vice President, Mr. Rex Bamidele Jacob; the 3rd Vice President, Mrs. Gloria Oghifo; and the Executive Secretary, Mr. Olajide Afolabi.

Speaking during the visit, Amb. Okegbue reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to aligning private recruitment practices with international labour standards and strengthening safe, orderly and regular labour migration pathways.

“Private Employment Agencies, when properly regulated and supported, can serve as a first line of defence against irregular migration and exploitation. Our goal is to ensure that recruitment never becomes a pathway to abuse, but rather a channel to decent and productive employment,” he stated.

The EAPEAN President emphasised the need to further equip the Association’s Secretariat to effectively support intending migrants, licensed recruiters, and returnees through improved information systems, training, and structured referral mechanisms.

“As the umbrella body of licensed agencies, our Secretariat increasingly interfaces with migrant workers and returnees. Strengthening our institutional capacity will significantly enhance compliance, transparency, and migrant protection outcomes,” he added.

In a related development, EAPEAN also paid a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta L. Adamu Bello, at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

The delegation was received on behalf of the Director General, by the Director, ICT, Mr. Akin Lawal. Other officials present included Deputy Director, Legal, Barrister Nneka J; Mrs. Doris Nbanefo from Investigation & Monitoring; Mr. George; and Mr. Adekoye from the Press Unit.

Discussions at NAPTIP focused on combating trafficking in persons, particularly trafficking for the purpose of exploitation in employment, and strengthening oversight within the private recruitment industry.
While reaffirming

EAPEAN’s zero tolerance for human trafficking, Amb. Okegbue drew attention to operational challenges faced by licensed agencies in securing NAPTIP clearance.

“We fully support rigorous regulatory oversight. However, delays and procedural uncertainties in clearance processes can unintentionally discourage compliance and create pressure within the system.

Strengthened dialogue and clearer frameworks will benefit both regulators and legitimate operators,” he said.

He further proposed enhanced collaboration through joint capacity-building programmes for Private Employment Agencies, standardised guidelines, and structured engagement platforms to close gaps exploited by unlicensed actors.

The week’s engagements culminated in the EAPEAN President delivering a goodwill message at the 4th International Labour Arbitration and Adjudication Forum organised by the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Abuja.

Addressing the theme, “Access to Labour Justice in a Rapidly Changing World of Work,” Amb. Okegbue underscored the importance of efficient dispute resolution systems in sustaining industrial harmony and economic growth.

“Accessible and credible labour adjudication mechanisms are not only essential for workers, but also for employers, government, and society at large. Confidence in the system strengthens compliance and promotes stability in the labour market,” he noted.

Observers say the Abuja engagements signal EAPEAN’s growing influence within Nigeria’s labour governance architecture and its proactive stance in shaping policy conversations around recruitment, migration, and workplace justice.