Nigerian women who travel to Iraq in search of better job opportunities often find themselves exploited as domestic workers, facing sexual harassment and harsh living conditions, according to the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Prof Fatima Waziri-Azi. News About Nigeria reports.
In a statement, Waziri-Azi highlighted the plight of young Nigerian women who work in Iraq as domestic workers, stating that they are subjected to exploitation on a daily basis. She revealed that NAPTIP is currently investigating rogue labour recruiters who are reportedly big players in the massive recruitment of Nigerians for domestic servitude in Iraq.
Waziri-Azi explained that many of the young Nigerian women are now requesting assistance to return home. The DG noted that awareness by NAPTIP and other partners on well-known destination countries has caused traffickers to shift their attention to Iraq.
Many of the women are overworked, with some being admitted to the hospital due to the long hours they are forced to work under harsh conditions. They are constantly under threat of harm, and many have no access to their phones or the ability to communicate for help.
Waziri-Azi stated that the situation was alarming and called for Nigerians to be cautious of the quest to travel out of the country for greener pastures. She stressed the need for people to evaluate every job offer they receive and seek second and third opinions before accepting such offers outside the country.
The Director-General emphasized that NAPTIP would work with relevant ministries, departments, agencies, and partners to ensure the safe return of victims from Iraq. The exploitation of Nigerian women in Iraq must come to an end, and Waziri-Azi is urging authorities to take action to prevent further harm.
