The Director-General of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on travel professionals to play a more proactive role in combating human trafficking while serving as ambassadors of Nigeria’s global image.
She made the call at the 50th anniversary and Annual General Meeting of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) in Ibadan.
Dabiri-Erewa expressed concern over the rising cases of trafficking linked to questionable travel arrangements.
She noted that many victims are transported using legitimately issued flight tickets.
NiDCOM DG urged travel agents to remain vigilant by identifying suspicious travel patterns, such as young or vulnerable individuals travelling alone without clear destinations or support systems, and to report such cases to authorities.
According to her, refusing to process tickets under doubtful circumstances and alerting the appropriate agencies could help save lives and protect the integrity of the travel industry.
Scale of crisis
Dabiri-Erewa also highlighted the scale of the crisis, pointing to cases of stranded Nigerians in parts of the Middle East and North Africa, as well as victims lured abroad under false pretences.
She stressed that collaboration with travel agencies is vital in preventing exploitation and ensuring safe migration.
Beyond security concerns, she encouraged NANTA members to embrace their role as frontline representatives of Nigeria by promoting tourism, safeguarding the country’s reputation, and countering negative stereotypes about Nigerians abroad.
She further called for stronger partnerships in areas such as data sharing, emergency response for stranded citizens, and participation in diaspora-focused cultural and economic initiatives aimed at reconnecting Africans with their roots.
She reaffirmed NiDCOM’s willingness to collaborate with the association, while emphasizing the need for professionalism within the sector, noting that collective efforts are essential to building a positive global narrative and strengthening Nigeria’s international standing.
