Crackdown on Rogue Recruiters: NiDCOM Pushes for Tougher Measures Against Irregular Migration
By Raymond Enoch
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) is calling for stronger action against unlicensed recruiters exploiting vulnerable Nigerians and fueling the crisis of irregular migration.
Speaking at a Lagos press briefing organized by the Association of Recruiter License Placement Agencies of Nigeria (ARLPAN), NiDCOM Chairman/CEO Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, represented by Mr. Oladele Ogunkanbi, stressed the urgency of protecting Nigerian youths from deceitful migration schemes.
“The rise in irregular migration is a national concern. Migration should be a choice, not a necessity driven by exploitation,” she said, emphasizing the need for collaboration between government and private organizations to dismantle illegal recruitment networks.
ARLPAN President, Mr. Rex Bamidele Jacob, outlined key drivers of the crisis, including economic hardship, misinformation, human rights violations, and false promises from unauthorized recruiters. He warned that these unethical practices have led many Nigerians into dire situations—human trafficking, imprisonment, and even death.
Jacob called for a multi-faceted response, urging stricter enforcement of migration laws, enhanced border security, international cooperation, and public awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians on the risks of irregular migration.
NiDCOM commended ARLPAN’s efforts and reiterated its commitment to promoting safe and legal migration pathways. As the fight against illegal recruiters intensifies, stakeholders emphasize the critical role of the media in exposing fraudulent schemes and safeguarding Nigeria’s future.
