The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has discovered a scheme by suspected human traffickers to deceive Nigerians with fake job opportunities in West African countries such as Ghana and Ivory Coast.
These traffickers are taking advantage of well-known brand names to present unrealistic job offers in the oil and gas industry to lure young people and exploit them in neighboring countries.
The victims are promised monthly salaries of $900 in gold mining and oil companies. NAPTIP has revealed that the victims are transported through the waterways of Ode Jetty in Lagos to Benin Republic and other parts of West Africa. Some victims are also trafficked through land routes.
The Director-General of NAPTIP, Prof Fatima Waziri-Azi, made these revelations during discussions about trends in human trafficking for the year 2024 at the agency's headquarters in Abuja.
She emphasized the importance of vigilance and urged Nigerians to be cautious and seek second opinions before accepting tempting job offers. NAPTIP is committed to combating human trafficking and protecting the rights and dignity of all Nigerians.