Abayomi Bolatito
ActionAid Nigeria has called for an urgent and independent investigation into allegations that young Nigerian women and other African women were allegedly lured into Russia’s Alabuga Start Programme with promises of education, skills training and employment opportunities, only to face possible exploitation and unsafe working conditions.
The organisation raised concerns over reports that some participants may have been exposed to exploitative labour practices and possible involvement in the production of military drones.
ActionAid Nigeria also expressed concern over allegations linking a senior recruiter associated with the programme, Konstantin Trifonov, to Telegram channels allegedly promoting child sexual abuse material. The organisation described the claims as disturbing and urged relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.
In a statement, ActionAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, said the situation highlights the risks faced by young Nigerians searching for better opportunities abroad amid economic challenges.
According to him, poverty, unemployment and limited opportunities have created an environment where vulnerable young people can easily fall victim to deceptive recruitment schemes.
“The responsibility must never be placed on victims. Those who deceive, traffic or exploit vulnerable people must be investigated and held accountable,” Mamedu said.
ActionAid stressed that the allegations must be properly verified but noted that any confirmed involvement in child sexual abuse material or exploitation would amount to serious human rights violations requiring legal action.
The organisation said its concerns were based on years of experience supporting survivors of trafficking and unsafe migration through its RECONNECT Project, which provides assistance to returning migrants, vulnerable women and victims of exploitation.
ActionAid noted that many Nigerians who return from unsafe migration journeys often face psychological trauma, financial difficulties, social stigma and challenges accessing healthcare and sustainable livelihoods.
The organisation linked the situation to growing migration pressures in Nigeria, popularly known as the “Japa” trend, where many young Nigerians seek opportunities overseas due to economic hardship.
While affirming that migration remains a legitimate right, ActionAid warned that weak regulation of overseas recruitment systems and economic desperation have increased the risks of trafficking, forced labour and fraudulent employment schemes.
The group called on relevant government agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), to immediately investigate recruitment activities connected to the Alabuga Start Programme.
It also urged authorities to identify Nigerians currently involved in the programme, assess their welfare and provide necessary support, including legal assistance, psychosocial care and voluntary return assistance where required.
ActionAid further recommended stronger regulation of foreign recruitment agencies, travel facilitators and online advertisements promoting overseas opportunities, alongside increased public awareness campaigns to protect young Nigerians from fraudulent schemes.
The organisation also appealed for international cooperation involving relevant global bodies and authorities to ensure a transparent investigation, protection of potential victims and prosecution of anyone found guilty of wrongdoing.
ActionAid reaffirmed its commitment to supporting survivors of trafficking and exploitation, urging authorities to adopt a survivor-focused approach that protects victims and ensures access to justice, rehabilitation and reintegration.
