The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians regarding the emergence of fake oil and gas job offers in neighboring West African countries.
Communication Officer, Adekoye Vincent in a statement issued on Sunday said Prof. Fatima Waziri – Azi, Director-General of NAPTIP, disclosed this alarming trend at the Agency’s Headquarters in Abuja during a discussion on emerging trends in human trafficking for the year 2024.
The DG said the offers, disguised as lucrative employment opportunities, are being used by suspected human traffickers to lure unsuspecting victims for various forms of exploitation.
She emphasized that traffickers are exploiting coordinated global brand trademarks to offer unrealistic job opportunities in gold mining and oil companies, primarily in countries like Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, and others in the region.
She added that victims, predominantly aged between 15 and 35 years old, are promised monthly incomes as high as Nine Hundred Dollars ($900.00), alongside demands for substantial amounts of money—up to Eight Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N850,000)—for documentation and other expenses.
According to her, However, upon arrival at their destination, traffickers confiscate the victims’ money, phones, and personal belongings.
Prof. Waziri – Azi urged Nigerians to exercise caution, ask questions, and seek second opinions before accepting any tempting offers.
She emphasized the importance of not allowing desperation to cloud judgment.
Waziri-Azi explained that NAPTIP has intensified its efforts through enhanced partnerships, collaboration, diligent prosecution, and extensive awareness campaigns to combat human trafficking.
She said the agency remains dedicated to protecting the rights and dignity of all Nigerians.
Prof. Fatima Waziri – Azi emphasized, “as part of our comprehensive enlightenment strategies to equip Nigerians with timely and accurate information to reduce their vulnerability, we have received reports indicating that traffickers have adopted new tactics to lure unsuspecting victims, predominantly to Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, and other West African nations.”
She continued, “Under the guise of lucrative employment opportunities in gold mining and oil companies, victims are enticed with promises of monthly incomes as high as Nine Hundred Dollars ($900.00), which, as always, are blatant lies.”
“Victims are often instructed to bring up to Eight Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N850,000) for documentation and other logistical expenses. Upon arrival at their destination, traffickers confiscate this money, along with the victims’ phones and other personal belongings.
“The targeted demographic includes male and female victims aged between 15 and 35 years old. They are typically trafficked through the waterways of Ode Jetty in Lagos en-route to Benin Republic and other parts of the West African region. Some victims are also trafficked via land routes.”
Prof. Fatima Waziri – Azi reiterated her earlier appeal to Nigerians, stating, “I urge you to exercise caution, ask questions, and seek a second opinion before accepting any tempting offers. Do not allow desperation to cloud your judgment.
“NAPTIP remains committed to combating human trafficking and protecting the rights and dignity of all Nigerians. For further information or to report suspected cases of human trafficking, please contact: 07030000203 or 627 (Only on the MTN Network)”
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