Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria Holds 13th Annual General Meeting

By Our Reporter

The Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria (EAPEAN) held its 13th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at NECA House, Ikeja, Lagos, on September 18, 2024. The event brought together dignitaries from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, International Labour organization, International Organisation for Migration, International Returns and Reintegration Assistance, Nigeria Labour Congress, and captains of industry among others.

EAPEAN President Dr. Olufemi Ogunlowo welcomed attendees, acknowledging the challenges faced by the industry, including Nigeria’s economic slowdown, high inflation, and global economic sluggishness. He expressed gratitude to Hon. Barr. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, and Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment for their support of the association.

Dr. Ogunlowo highlighted EAPEAN’s achievements stating that 29 new members joined the association; strengthened ties with government and social partners; registration as an Employers’ Association under the Trade Unions Act; launched the revised Code of Conduct for Private Employment Agencies in Nigeria; International partnerships with ILO, IOM, and IRARA and development of a framework for international recruitment of Nigerian migrant workers among others.

“EAPEAN membership has grown with 29 new members. The association has strengthened ties with government and social partners. “EAPEAN has strengthened its ties with the government and social partners. The government, through the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, praised EAPEAN for its cooperation in regulating outsourcing in all sectors of the economy. This collaboration led to a breakthrough: EAPEAN’s registration as an Employers’ Association under the Trade Unions Act.

“We are pleased to announce the launch of the revised Code of Conduct for Private Employment Agencies in Nigeria (2021), which took place on Friday, June 21, 2024, at the United Nations House, Abuja. This significant event marks a major milestone in our commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and professionalism in our industry.

“EAPEAN, in collaboration with the Centre for Migration Studies – Nnamdi Azikiwe University (CMS-NAU), social partners, and stakeholders, with support from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), has developed a comprehensive “Framework for the Engagement in International Recruitment of Nigerian Migrant Workers”. The objective of this framework is to establish a structured and transparent approach to international recruitment, ensuring the protection of Nigerian migrant workers’ rights, promoting fair labor practices, and enhancing the overall migration experience.”

Dr. Ogunlowo emphasized the importance of training and development, urging members to take advantage of EAPEAN’s comprehensive training programs. He also addressed National Assembly investigations, advising members to decline invitations and seek EAPEAN’s guidance.

The AGM featured presentations from Bolu Adesina & Co., EAPEAN’s auditors, and discussions on the audited financial statements for 2023.

EAPEAN’s growth and initiatives demonstrate its commitment to promoting fair labor practices, protecting migrant workers’ rights, and enhancing the private employment agency industry.

Attendees included Mr. John Nyamali, Director, Employment and Wages; Mr. Wale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of NECA; Barr. Ahmed Gobir, President of CIPM; Ms. Vanessa Phala of ILO; Mr. Amos Ojo of IOM; Comrade Funmi Sessi of NLC; and Mr. Roland Nwoha, Country Director of International Returns and Reintegration Assistance, Registrar of Trade Unions, Mr. Amos Falonipe; Ms. Mimi Badejo, Zonal Director South West Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and Mr. E.A Itemoagbo, Lagos State Controller, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment among others.

Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria (EAPEAN), formerly known as the Human Capital Providers Association of Nigeria (HuCaPAN), is the umbrella organization of licensed Private Employment Agencies (PEAs), also known as recruiters in Nigeria. It was midwife by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, with international guidelines from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 2007 and registered under the Company and Allied Matters Act 1990 in 2010. It was formally registered in 2023 under the Trade Unions (Amendment) Act 2005.

EAPEAN provides a platform for Private Employment Agencies to interact with the regulatory body (government), labour communities and other relevant institutions within and outside Nigeria to develop and promote International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards and ethical practices in the recruitment, deployment and Management of Outsourced Personnel in Nigeria. It partners with international organizations such as the ILO and IOM to standardize the PEA industry and ensure ethical and best practices. EAPEAN is a highly respected employers association and professional body.