The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has received another rescued Nigerian, Mrs. Busola Victoria Alale, who returned from Cairo, Egypt, after enduring months of human trafficking and labour exploitation.
In a statement signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, the Commission said Alale, a 41-year-old indigene of Ogun State, arrived in Lagos on April 22 and was received by the Head of NiDCOM Lagos Office, Mr. Dipo Odebowale, on behalf of the Commission’s Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
Her return was facilitated by an anonymous philanthropist who covered the full cost of her journey back to Nigeria, amounting to several millions of naira, after learning of her distress.
Narrating her ordeal, Alale described harsh and exploitative working conditions as a domestic worker in Cairo. She said she worked excessively long hours often from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 a.m. the next day without rest, moving between multiple employers daily, while her trafficker allegedly collected all her earnings.
Before travelling, she said she ran a small frozen foods business that collapsed, pushing her to seek better opportunities abroad. However, she expressed regret over the decision, noting that the promises of a better life turned out to be deceptive.
She cautioned Nigerian youths, particularly young women, to be wary of enticing job offers abroad, especially domestic work roles, which may expose them to abuse and exploitation.
Alale also expressed gratitude to Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the anonymous donor, and the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner in Cairo, Ambassador Adesoye, for their roles in securing her rescue and safe return.
NiDCOM reiterated its warning against irregular migration and unverified employment opportunities overseas, urging Nigerians to seek proper guidance through relevant government channels before travelling while stressing the need to expose and prosecute human traffickers.
