The Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria (EAPEAN) has appealed to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to reinstate the joint monitoring exercise requested by the association to address quackery.
EAPEAN President, Olufemi Ogunlowo appealed at the launch of EAPEAN as a trade union of employers. The association was formerly known as the Human Captial Providers Association of Nigeria (HuCaPAN).
According to Ogunlowo, EAPEAN was inaugurated to address the challenges of job seekers and ensure employers have access to reliable and efficient employment services.
The president noted that private employment agencies play a crucial role in Nigeria’s economy, acting as intermediaries between employers and job seekers, and connecting talent with opportunities.
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“By providing recruitment and job placement services, private employment agencies contribute to job creation, economic growth, and overall social development. The establishment of this association is a testament to the commitment and dedication of our members. By coming together, we aim to enhance professionalism, foster collaboration, and promote best practices within the private employment industry.
“This association will provide a platform for information sharing, networking, and mentorship, ultimately benefiting both employers and job seekers,” Ogunlowo said.
He also appealed to the ministry to reinstate the joint monitoring exercise requested by the association to address quackery.
Ogunlowo said: “Joint monitoring is one strategy that can be effectively used to reduce quackery. Our request for this is to ensure better regulation of the industry and to deter unlicensed operators.
“We also urge Heads of Human Resources of companies to patronise licensed private employment agencies who are EAPEAN members. By doing this, we can jointly stamp out quackery in this sector by default.”
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Minister of State for Labour and Employment Mrs. Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha praised the association for attaining a new status as a registered trade union of employers. This, she noted, would re-position the association as a strategic social partner and ally of the ministry, and of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
Represented by the Director of Employment and Wages, John Nyamali, urged employment agencies to submit applications for recruiters’ license along with supporting documents electronically through the nelex portal since the process is now fully digitized.
She said: “Your association is now a key player in labour administration in Nigeria and the international arena. It is our hope and expectation that you will use your new status to contribute meaningfully to labour administration in Nigeria, especially in promoting decent work and industrial peace and harmony.
“We are glad to inform you that applying for a recruiter’s license has been digitized to ensure the efficient and timely processing of applications. This will also ensure ease of doing business. Henceforth, PEAs should submit applications for recruiters’ licence along with supporting documents electronically through the nelex portal. This will go a long way in reducing the turnaround time for processing of applications for Recruiters’ Licence.
“Employers’ associations provide different sectoral public goods that are capable of influencing economic outcomes. Your new status will enable you to deliver such public goods including collective bargaining, business information and training, national and international representation, shaping regulations and standards, and industry coordination.
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“The Ministry of Labour and Employment will continue to support your organisation to attain greater heights as long as your members are committed to the ethos of the profession.”
President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Justice Benedict Kanyip, called on the National Assembly to provide a legislative framework for the practice of outsourcing in Nigeria considering its critical role.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of EAPEAN’s registration certificate to the Board of Trustees (BoT) by the minister’s representative.