Rescued Nigerian returns from Cairo, recounts trafficking ordeal

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has received Busola Victoria Alale, another Nigerian victim of human trafficking and labour exploitation, who has returned to the country after a harrowing experience in Cairo, Egypt.

Alale, 41, an indigene of Ogun State, arrived in Nigeria on Wednesday, April 22, and was received at the Lagos airport by Dipo Odebowale, Dipo Odebowale, NiDCOM’s Lagos office head, on behalf of Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Commission’s Chairman/Chief Executive Officer.

Her return, according to NiDCOM, was facilitated by an anonymous philanthropist who covered the full cost of her repatriation, reportedly running into several millions of naira after learning about her distress.

Speaking after her arrival, Alale narrated the severe abuse and exploitation she endured while working as a domestic worker in Cairo.

She said she was subjected to punishing work schedules, often beginning at 9:00 a.m. and continuing until about 4:00 a.m. the next day without rest.

According to her, she was made to work for multiple employers within a single day, while the agent who arranged her trip confiscated all her earnings.

“I had no control over my income and no time to rest. It was unbearable,” she said, describing the conditions as inhumane.

Alale disclosed that she had previously operated a small frozen foods business in Nigeria, which collapsed, prompting her to seek opportunities abroad.

However, she said the promise of a better life turned out to be deceptive.

Expressing deep regret over her decision, Alale warned Nigerian youths, particularly women, against falling for enticing job offers abroad, especially in domestic work, which she said could expose them to exploitation and abuse.

She also expressed gratitude to Dabiri-Erewa, the anonymous benefactor, and Adesoye, Acting Nigerian High Commissioner in Cairo, for facilitating her rescue and safe return.

NiDCOM reiterated its warning against irregular migration and unverified overseas job offers, urging Nigerians to seek proper guidance through official government channels before travelling.

The Commission stressed the need for sustained efforts to expose and prosecute human traffickers, noting that many unsuspecting citizens continue to fall victim to fraudulent recruitment schemes promising lucrative jobs abroad.