The Employers Association of Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria has warned recruiters against placing Nigerians in unverified foreign jobs, citing risks to workers and agencies.

EAPEAN executive secretary Jide Afolabi issued the warning on Tuesday during a two-day stakeholders’ dialogue on fair recruitment and labour migration governance in Lagos.

The dialogue was organised by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association with support from the International Labour Organisation ACTION Project, funded by the German Agency for International Cooperation.

Mr Afolabi urged agencies to verify the legitimacy of foreign employers, workplace conditions, and financial capacity before recruiting Nigerians for overseas employment.

He stressed recruiters remained responsible for workers’ welfare throughout the recruitment process and after deployment.

“Agencies should ensure prospective foreign employers provide valid demand letters, employment contracts, business registration and evidence of financial capacity to pay workers.

“It is incumbent on us to verify documents, inspect workplace conditions and ensure employers can pay workers. This protects workers and recruitment agencies alike,” Mr Afolabi said.

He said EAPEAN’s revised 2021 Code of Conduct promotes ethical recruitment through clear principles, legal obligations, monitoring systems and sanctions for violations.

According to him, the code requires agencies to operate transparently, comply with labour laws and refrain from charging recruitment fees to job seekers.

Mr Afolabi explained that International Labour Organisation rules allow limited worker-paid services only after consultations involving employers, workers’ organisations, and government, with notification to the ILO.

He said agencies must uphold workplace safety, prepare workers for emergencies and eliminate discrimination, including on HIV status, in line with Nigerian labour laws.

The revised code also strengthens provisions on gender mainstreaming, child labour prevention, data protection, monitoring and clearer responsibilities for employers, agencies and workers.

Mr Afolabi said employment contracts must be written in languages workers understand, while personal information should remain confidential except where disclosure is legally required.

“It is better to lose a contract than to accept work that violates the law,” he said.

(NAN)