Fresh concerns have emerged over the safety of young Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad, following reports that some may have been recruited to Russia under the Alabuga Start Programme with promises of education and employment, only to face alleged exploitation, unsafe working conditions and involvement in military drone production.
The development has prompted ActionAid Nigeria to call for an urgent investigation by the Federal Government.
The organisation in a statement made available to the media says the allegations raise serious concerns about deceptive recruitment practices and the vulnerability of young Nigerians searching for better opportunities overseas.
It also called for a thorough investigation into reported links between a recruiter associated with the programme and online child sexual abuse material.
The statement further cited the organisation’s extensive work with returning migrants and survivors of trafficking, saying many victims return home traumatised, indebted and without sustainable livelihoods. It noted that poverty, unemployment and limited economic opportunities continue to make young Nigerians vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation.
ActionAid urges the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Labour, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission to investigate the recruitment process, identify affected Nigerians and provide consular, legal and psychosocial support where necessary.
ActionAid also calls on ECOWAS, the African Union, INTERPOL, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and relevant Russian authorities to support an independent investigation. It says stronger regulation of foreign recruitment schemes and better protection for migrants are essential to preventing future exploitation.
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Editor: Terverr Tyav
