by Nosa Aituamen
The Director General of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on travel agencies to play a more active 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 human trafficking linked to questionable travel arrangements, noting that many victims are transported using legitimately issued flight tickets.
She urged travel agents to remain vigilant by identifying suspicious travel patterns, including young and vulnerable individuals travelling alone without clear destinations or support systems, and to promptly report such cases to relevant authorities.
According to her, refusing to process travel documents under suspicious circumstances could help save lives and protect the integrity of the travel industry.
The NiDCOM DG also highlighted the scale of the crisis, citing cases of stranded Nigerians across countries in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as victims lured abroad under false pretences.
She stressed that collaboration between NiDCOM and travel agencies is critical to preventing exploitation and ensuring safe and responsible migration.
Beyond security concerns, Dabiri-Erewa encouraged NANTA members to embrace their role as frontline representatives of Nigeria by promoting tourism, safeguarding the country’s image, and countering negative stereotypes about Nigerians abroad.
She noted that travel professionals often serve as the first point of contact for international travellers, placing them in a strategic position to shape perceptions about the country.
The NiDCOM director-general also called for stronger partnerships in areas such as data sharing, crisis response for stranded Nigerians, and participation in diaspora-focused cultural and economic initiatives.
