The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has voiced concerns regarding the increasing prevalence of counterfeit job advertisements within the oil and gas industry across West Africa.
Vincent Adekoye, a communication officer at NAPTIP, disclosed this cautionary statement to the press in Abuja on Sunday. Adekoye conveyed remarks made by NAPTIP’s Director-General, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, during a discussion on the evolving patterns of human trafficking in 2024.
Waziri-Azi emphasized the discovery of a new tactic utilized by suspected human traffickers, who exploit well-known global brand trademarks to offer unrealistic job opportunities in the oil and gas sector to unsuspecting Nigerians in neighboring West African countries.
“We have uncovered a new ploy by suspected human traffickers exploiting coordinated global brand trademarks, offering unrealistic oil and gas job vacancies to unsuspected Nigerians in neighboring West African countries,” stated Waziri-Azi.
NAPTIP’s Director-General highlighted the agency’s intensified efforts through enhanced partnerships, collaboration, diligent prosecution, and extensive awareness campaigns to combat such deceptive schemes.
She elaborated on the modus operandi of the traffickers, indicating that victims are promised lucrative employment opportunities in gold mining and oil companies with monthly incomes as high as $900. However, upon arrival at their destination, victims are coerced into paying exorbitant fees for documentation and logistics, only to have their money and personal belongings confiscated by traffickers.
Waziri-Azi underscored that male and female victims, aged between 15 and 35, are targeted and trafficked through various routes, including waterways and land routes.
In light of these developments, Waziri-Azi urged Nigerians to exercise caution, seek additional information, and report any suspected instances of human trafficking to NAPTIP. She reiterated NAPTIP’s unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting the rights and dignity of all Nigerians.
