The Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria (EAPEAN) has pledged to intensify efforts to curb the operations of unlicensed private employment agencies (PEAs) in the country. The resolution came during its 14th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and handover ceremony held at NECA House, Ikeja, Lagos.
In his valedictory address, outgoing president, Dr. Olufemi Ogunlowo (FAOPN), highlighted key achievements of his tenure. These include the association’s formal registration as an employers’ body under the Trade Unions Act, the expansion of its membership base to over 300 agencies, and strengthened collaboration with international organisations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and International Returns and Reintegration Assistance (IRARA).
Dr. Ogunlowo added that EAPEAN had deepened its engagement with regulatory bodies to sanitise the employment industry and combat unethical practices by unregistered operators.
“Our mantra remains — anywhere a Nigerian is found working, he or she must have a decent job,” he emphasised.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMLE), the Director of Employment and Wages, Mr. Joseph Akpan, commended EAPEAN for its continued cooperation with the Ministry. However, he cautioned that unlicensed operators still posed serious challenges to the industry.
Mr Akpan further identified issues such as the non-remittance of employee pension funds and the use of falsified documents in licence applications. He urged the association to sustain its advocacy and compliance initiatives to ensure greater accountability within the sector.
Also speaking at the event, Comrade Agnes Funmi Sessi, Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos State Council, applauded EAPEAN’s contribution to enterprise growth in Nigeria. She reaffirmed the NLC’s readiness to collaborate with the association in eliminating malpractice within the private employment sector.
She reiterated the Congress’s commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights, improving working conditions, and ensuring fair treatment for all categories of employees.
The Executive Secretary of EAPEAN announced that 30 new members had joined the association since the last AGM — a development he described as a reflection of growing confidence in EAPEAN’s leadership and impact.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected president, Chief (Amb.) Nzeribe Okegbue, PhD, pledged to consolidate the association’s gains, strengthen partnerships with regulators, and ensure that only licensed and compliant agencies operate in Nigeria’s employment sector.
“I am deeply honoured to serve this great association. Together with my executive council, we will work tirelessly to elevate standards and restore integrity in private employment services across the country,” Dr Okegbue assured.
The AGM also featured the presentation of the association’s audited financial report by Bolu Adesina & Co., which revealed steady income growth and a budget surplus despite prevailing economic challenges.
The event brought together representatives from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, NECA, NLC, international partners, and private sector stakeholders — all reaffirming their collective commitment to building a transparent, well-regulated employment ecosystem in Nigeria.
