CIPM, NECA Commend EAPEAN for Driving Professionalism in Recruitment Industry

By Our reporter

Industry leaders have commended the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria (EAPEAN) for its efforts to promote professionalism, fair and ethical recruitment and improved human resource management in Nigeria’s private employment sector.

The commendation came during the association’s 12th Annual National Workshop and 15th Annual General Meeting at NECA House, Lagos, where stakeholders called for sustained collaboration to strengthen professional standards across recruitment, staffing and outsourcing services.

Speaking at the event, Mr Gbenga Odetunde, a representative of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), praised EAPEAN’s advocacy for good employment practices.

He said the association was playing an important role in promoting professionalism and encouraged recruitment industry operators to apply professional standards in their daily activities.

Odetunde emphasised that organisations must recognise the importance of investing in people, warning that neglecting workforce development could undermine the very institutions and businesses that depend on human capital for productivity.

He expressed CIPM’s readiness to continue supporting collaboration aimed at professionalising human resource management within the recruitment and staffing industry.

Also speaking, Mr Aderemi Adegboyega, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Workmen and Talent Limited, described the annual gathering as an important learning and development opportunity for recruitment agency executives and employees.

He said the workshop enabled participants to refresh their knowledge of human resource management, particularly in the administration of third-party workers.

Adegboyega added that stronger collaboration between private employment agencies, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and other stakeholders would contribute to improved productivity and workforce development.

EAPEAN President and Chairman of Council, Chief Nzeribe Okegbue, said the association was pursuing reforms to strengthen its institutional capacity and professionalise the operations of private employment agencies.

He disclosed that EAPEAN’s membership had grown from 302 at its 14th AGM in 2025 to 355 during the period under review, reflecting increased participation in the association’s activities.

According to him, the growth demonstrates the importance recruitment businesses attach to collective representation, capacity building and structured engagement with regulators and other industry stakeholders.

Okegbue said the association would continue to encourage compliance with its Code of Conduct and relevant labour standards while promoting responsible recruitment and workforce management.

Participants also highlighted the importance of training and development in helping agencies respond to changes in employment practices, regulatory requirements and the needs of client organisations.

The Registrar of Trade Unions, Mr Rabiu Shuaibu, in his remarks, addressed the legal and constitutional obligations of registered organisations, stressing the need for compliance with applicable laws and governing provisions.

Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of NECA, the ILO, IOM, IRARA, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, CIPM and the NLC, Lagos State Council.

The ILO Country Director, Dr Vanessa Phala, was represented by Mr Austin Erameh, while NECA’s Director-General, Mr Adewale Smatt Oyerinde, was among the dignitaries associated with the event.

Also in attendance were the South-West Zonal Director/State Controller of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mrs Mienye Badejo; immediate past EAPEAN President, Dr Olufemi Ogunlowo; former President, Aderemi Adegboyega; members of the National Executive Council; and the association’s Executive Secretary, Mr Olajide Afolabi.

The workshop and AGM underscored the need for continuous professional development and stronger institutional partnerships to improve the quality of recruitment and employment services in Nigeria.