The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has received another rescued victim of human trafficking and labor exploitation, identified as Busola Alale from Cairo, Egypt, on Wednesday. In a late Sunday statement signed by the Commission’s Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Alale was received in Lagos by the Chairman of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who was represented by Head of Lagos Office, Dipo Odebowala. According to the statement, Alale, a 41-year-old indigene of Ogun State, was rescued following a process headed by the wife of Ogun State’s former governor, Olufunsho Amosun.
Her return was made possible through the wife of the former Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun, who heeded her cry for help by bearing all expenses for her return, which cost some millions of naira. Speaking upon arrival, Alale recounted her ordeal, describing the inhumane conditions she endured while working as a domestic staff member in Cairo. She was subjected to excessive working hours, often starting work at 9:00 a.m. and continuing until 4:00 a.m. the following day without rest, moving between multiple employers within a single day. She said the agent who trafficked her collected all her earnings.
Before her trip, she operated a small frozen foods business, which collapsed, prompting her decision to seek opportunities abroad. However, she expressed deep regret over her decision to travel, noting that the promises of a better life turned out to be deceptive. Alale advised Nigerian youths, particularly young women, to be wary of offers of lucrative jobs abroad, especially domestic work opportunities in some foreign countries, which may expose them to exploitation and abuse. She expressed appreciation to Amosun, the NiDCOM boss, and the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner in Cairo, Amb. Adesoye for facilitating her rescue and safe return to Nigeria.
The Commission reiterates its warning to citizens against irregular migration and unverified job offers abroad. NiDCOM also urges Nigerians to seek proper guidance and verify employment opportunities through appropriate government channels before traveling, noting that traffickers need to be continuously exposed and arrested.
