EAPEAN AGM: Nigeria’s Private Employment Agencies Meet to Address Industry Challenges

By Our Reporter

The Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria (EAPEAN) held its 13th Annual General Meeting 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 Organisation, International Organisation for Migration, International Returns and Reintegration Assistance, Nigeria Labour Congress, HR practitioners and Chief Executives among others.

In his address, EAPEAN President, Dr. Olufemi Ogunlowo, highlighted the association’s growth, with membership increasing with the addition of 27 new members. He emphasized the importance of adapting to Nigeria’s economic challenges, including inflation and government policies.

Representing the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr. John Nyamali, commended EAPEAN’s collaboration with the government in regulating outsourcing. He encouraged private employment agencies to promote decent work and comply with the Code of Conduct.

The meeting featured discussions on the Revised Code of Conduct for Private Employment Agencies in Nigeria, international recruitment frameworks, and training initiatives. EAPEAN’s financial statements showed significant improvement in income and surplus.

EAPEAN aims to strengthen its ties with the government and social partners, promoting fair labor practices and protecting migrant workers’ rights.

Attendees included Mr. John Nyamali, Director, Employment and Wages; Federal Ministry of LAbour and Employment, 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 Fa224lonipe; 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 Human Capital Providers Association of Nigeria (HuCaPAN) is the umbrella organization of licenced 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 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.