What a fake job offer taught me about safe migration and ethical recruitment

I'm Sam, co-leader of the Travel Massive chapter in Lagos. I also run TWS Global, a Lagos-based tourism firm offering travel booking and services, including immigration advisory. Part of my work is helping people move abroad safely.

Nigeria is home to around 237 million people, and millions more Nigerians live and work abroad. A travel agent or immigration adviser is often the first professional people speak to before moving, so we're well placed to spot the warning signs.

A conversation I had recently is a reminder of why that matters. I spoke with a young Nigerian woman I'll call Ada. She is a client who had initially contacted us about relocating to Canada. But somewhere along the line, a friend from her polytechnic days called with what sounded like a better opportunity: a Project Manager position with a construction company in Benin Republic, Nigeria's neighbour to the west.

She trusted him since they knew each other from school, and everything looked legitimate. So she travelled… but got a shock on arrival. Ada was asked to pay 1 million CFA francs, about ₦2.7 million (roughly US$1,750), for documentation before she could start work. That's more than a year's salary for many young Nigerians. Surprisingly, Ada paid, using money borrowed from her boyfriend's parents, with the hope of paying it back monthly from her salary. Then they told her to wait a week before resuming. In her own words, "The day I started was the day I was introduced to network marketing instead of the actual job I came for." From Project Management to Network Marketing!

I felt a mix of anger and compassion as she narrated this story. I asked why she didn't decline and immediately ask for a refund from the friend who introduced her. Apparently, "he's working for the company so he definitely had to join them in convincing me to do it. It was more like a brainwashing." Moreover, "the company had accommodation and there was feeding [meals were provided]. They also promised a Benin Republic International Passport after 6 months to 1 year of working with them, which was the main reason I stayed." So she worked from January to August this year, hoping things would improve, until the police raided the office and arrested some of the leaders. According to her, they are in Cotonou prison as I write this.

Ada left Nigeria seeking a job opportunity in Benin Republic, but she returned with a ₦2.7 million (roughly US$1,750) debt that is yet to be repaid to her future in-laws. Today, her relationship is under strain, and the job that was supposed to change her life has left her dealing with consequences she never anticipated.

This is why I keep talking about safe migration and ethical recruitment. Sometimes the danger isn't that an opportunity looks suspicious. It's that it looks so convincing that we stop asking questions. She admitted that she never properly researched the company before leaving Nigeria. She simply trusted this former schoolmate of hers, who was part of the scam.

For starters, before you travel for any kind of job, ensure you verify the employer independently. Confirm the role, the contract, the salary, and every fee you are asked to pay. Most importantly, speak to people who have no connection to the recruiter, especially professionals like us. Never allow the excitement of a foreign opportunity to silence your instincts. A job offer is not proof of a job. A familiar face is not proof of good intentions. And a promise of a better life is not a guarantee that your life will be better than it is now.

Finally, remember: the goal is not just to emigrate by all means. It is to arrive safely at your destination with your dignity, your money and your future intact.

Selah.

Have you or someone you know been offered a job abroad that turned out to be something else? Share your story or advice in the comments.