The Director General of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NiDCOM, has called on travel professionals to take a more active role in combating human trafficking, while also positioning themselves as key ambassadors of Nigeria’s global image.
Speaking at the 50th anniversary and Annual General Meeting of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies, NANTA, in Ibadan, Mrs Dabiri-Erewa expressed concern over the growing cases of trafficking linked to questionable travel arrangements, noting that many victims are moved using legitimately issued flight tickets.
She challenged travel agents to be more vigilant by identifying suspicious travel patterns, such as young and vulnerable passengers travelling alone without clear destinations or support systems, and urged them to report such cases.
According to her, refusing to issue tickets under suspicious circumstances and alerting authorities could save lives and protect the integrity of the industry.
The NiDCOM boss also highlighted the scale of the crisis, citing instances of stranded Nigerians across countries in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as cases where victims were lured abroad under false pretences. She stressed that collaboration with travel agencies remains critical in preventing exploitation and ensuring safe migration.
Beyond security concerns, the NiDCOM boss urged NANTA members to embrace their role as global ambassadors of Nigeria by promoting tourism, protecting the country’s image, and countering negative stereotypes about Nigerians abroad.
She noted that travel professionals occupy a strategic position as the first point of contact for many international travellers.
Mrs. Dabiri-Arewa further called for stronger collaboration in areas such as data sharing, crisis response for stranded Nigerians, and participation in diaspora-driven initiatives, including cultural and economic programmes aimed at reconnecting Africans in the diaspora with their roots.
Reaffirming NiDCOM’s readiness to partner with the association, she encouraged greater professionalism within the sector, stressing that collective efforts by stakeholders are essential to building a positive global narrative and strengthening Nigeria’s standing in the international community.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen