For many Nigerians seeking opportunities beyond the country’s shores, migration has become a pathway to better livelihoods, professional growth and economic survival.
From healthcare workers and engineers, to skilled artisans and technology professionals, Nigerian talents are increasingly sought after in global labour markets.
But behind the growing demand for Nigerian manpower lies a major challenge: how to ensure that those seeking opportunities abroad are protected from exploitation, fraudulent recruitment schemes and unsafe migration channels are of paramount importance.
It is against this background that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and private sector employers are working together on a new framework aimed at transforming Nigeria into a leading source of ethical, skills-based international labour.
This was made known at a two-day Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Policy and Practice of Fair Recruitment and Labour Migration Governance in Nigeria in Lagos.
The dialogue was organised for stakeholders by the International Labour Organisation, ILO, ACTION Project funded by the German Agency for International Cooperation, GIZ.
The proposed framework seeks to create a transparent, accountable and digitally driven recruitment system that will expand access to overseas jobs while protecting Nigerian migrant workers from abuse.
Stakeholders believe the new framework could open more opportunities for Nigerians by improving the country’s credibility in the international labour market.
The policy is expected to promote skills mobility by connecting Nigerian workers with legitimate employment opportunities abroad while ensuring that recruitment processes meet international standards.
With an implementation roadmap from 2027 to 2031, the framework targets 100 per cent digital recruitment licensing, improved protection for migrant workers, stronger compliance with International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards and enhanced global confidence in Nigeria’s labour system.
New labour migration blueprint
The Federal Government informs that the initiative is designed to address longstanding challenges associated with labour migration, including irregular migration, exploitation of workers, poor recruitment practices and weak coordination among relevant agencies.
Officials of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment explained that the framework is part of efforts to promote safe, orderly and regular migration while positioning Nigeria as a trusted supplier of skilled labour globally.
Speaking, Assistant Director in the ministry, Mrs Uchenna Williams, said the government had already introduced measures aimed at improving labour migration governance, including the National Policy on Labour Migration and a Standard Operating Procedure for International Recruitment involving 12 stakeholders.
According to her, “the goal is to strengthen cooperation among government agencies, employers, workers’ organisations and development partners to ensure that migration occurs through legal and safe channels.”
Williams said the implementation would begin with legal reforms, institutional restructuring and digital licensing before moving into compliance monitoring, evaluation and sustainability planning.
Exploitation abroad
One of the major concerns surrounding labour migration is the exploitation of workers through fake job offers, excessive recruitment fees, poor working conditions and misinformation.
To address these issues, she said it would expand awareness campaigns on safe migration pathways, strengthen pre-departure orientation programmes and improve complaint and grievance mechanisms for migrant workers.
According to Williams, “pre-departure orientation programmes would educate intending migrants about the culture, laws and expectations of destination countries while helping them identify signs of exploitation and unfair labour practices.”
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She added that the government had done significant work in building systems to protect migrant workers and ensure they understand their rights before leaving the country.
Role of recruiters
Private employment agencies are expected to face greater scrutiny under the new framework as authorities move to ensure that only credible recruiters participate in international labour placement.
Executive Secretary of the Employers Association of Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria, EAPEAN, Mr Jide Afolabi, warned recruitment agencies against unverified foreign job placements.
He said agencies “must confirm the legitimacy of foreign employers, verify employment contracts, assess workplace conditions and ensure employers have the financial capacity to pay workers before recruitment.
“Recruiters remain responsible for the welfare of workers they deploy and must operate in line with ethical recruitment standards.
“EAPEAN’s revised Code of Conduct provides guidelines for transparency, professionalism, worker protection and compliance with labour laws”, warning that agencies involved in unethical practices could face sanctions, including licence revocation.
Labour concerns
While supporting efforts to expand labour mobility opportunities, Organised Labour insisted that migrant workers’ rights must remain central to the policy.
In this context, the NLC called for stronger collaboration among government, employers, workers’ organisations, civil society groups and international partners to improve labour migration governance.
NLC Focal Person on Migration, Eustace James, said “migrant workers contribute significantly to economic growth by filling labour shortages, supporting businesses and providing remittances that benefit families and communities.”
However, he identified “discrimination, low wages, exploitation, limited access to social protection and harassment as major challenges facing migrant workers.
“A worker is a worker, irrespective of nationality or migration status,” James said, stressing that all workers deserve dignity and protection.
On her part, Chairperson of the NLC Lagos Council, Funmi Sessi, said “many returnees (Nigerians returning from overseas) possess valuable skills acquired overseas and should be supported to apply those skills productively in Nigeria.”
She called for collaboration among government, employers and trade unions to create structured reintegration programmes that would help returning migrants secure employment and rebuild their livelihoods.
Beyond policy
With millions of Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad and global demand for skilled workers increasing, stakeholders believe effective labour migration management could become a major driver of economic development.
Beyond increasing overseas employment opportunities, the new framework represents an attempt to change Nigeria’s approach to migration-from a largely individual pursuit into a coordinated national strategy.
If successfully implemented, the blueprint could strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global labour market, protect migrant workers and ensure that international migration becomes a pathway for economic growth rather than exploitation.
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