- NiDCOM received a Nigerian woman rescued from trafficking and labour exploitation in Cairo
- The victim described harsh working conditions and alleged her earnings were seized by an agent
- The commission warned Nigerians against irregular migration and unverified overseas job offers
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has received a Nigerian returnee rescued from human trafficking and labour exploitation in Cairo, Egypt.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the commission confirmed that the returnee, Busola Alale, arrived in Lagos on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
She was received by the Head of NiDCOM Lagos Office, Dipo Odebowale, on behalf of the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
According to the commission, her return was made possible through the intervention of Olufunsho Amosun, who reportedly covered the full cost of her journey back to Nigeria after responding to her distress call.
Recounting her ordeal, Alale said she endured severe exploitation while working as a domestic worker in Cairo. She described gruelling working conditions, including excessively long hours that often stretched from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 a.m. the following day without rest.
She also alleged that she was made to work for multiple employers within a single day and that the agent who facilitated her trip confiscated all her earnings.
Alale explained that she had previously operated a small frozen foods business in Nigeria, but its collapse pushed her to seek opportunities abroad. However, she said the promises made to her before travelling proved deceptive, leaving her with deep regret.
She urged Nigerian youths, particularly young women, to exercise caution when considering overseas employment offers, especially domestic work roles that may expose them to abuse and exploitation.
Alale expressed gratitude to Mrs Amosun, NiDCOM leadership, and Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in Egypt, including Acting High Commissioner Ambassador Adesoye, for their roles in securing her rescue and safe return.
NiDCOM reiterated its warning against irregular migration and unverified job offers abroad, advising Nigerians to seek proper guidance and confirm employment opportunities through official channels before travelling.
The commission also called for intensified efforts to identify, expose and prosecute traffickers involved in such cases, stressing the need to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.