Slavery: ITUC Urge Federal Government To Save Nigerians Enslaved In Quatar

The International Trade Union Congress (ITUC) has written an appeal letter to the federal government of Nigeria to protect its citizens who are working as slaves in Qatar.

According to the group's Secretary General, Sharon Baron who stated that Nigeria had a proper stance in the promotion of decent work, insisted that government must intervene in the matter. 

"We need your assistance to protect Nigerians in Qatar," Baron said.

"Nigeria has always been a strong government in defence of decent work and we need your support in this fight against slave labour as the government of Qatar run a system where the workers right are determined by the employers and not by the government even in the issues of minimum wage.

This is not quite astonishing case of 'quest for greener pasture' which usual force many Nigerian youths to embark on dangerous journeys across deserts and oceans.

The Middle East countries [Qatar] is famous for its oppressive arid climate and extrem temperature as hot as 140 ºF / 60° C during the summer months—heat described to be so intense that exposure can be fatal.   

In response to the appeal, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Nwabueze Ngige, in a meeting with Baron, pledge the support of Nigeria in the efforts of the International Labour Organisation at combating slave labour in Qatar.

Ngige said his Ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had addressed the issue leading to the proposed agreement between the Ministry of Labour and Employment and Qatar.

It was revealed that some Nigerians have been deceived with fake job offers in the Middle East country. If not enslaved after falling for the scams, it is believed victims are living in detention and uncompleted buildings earmarked for demolition.

An undisclosed report showed that Nigeria rank No. 8 in world with the highest number of slaves, estimated at over 875 000. According to the Global Slavery Index, the country is a key source of women trafficked to Europe and sold into sex work.
Below is a video released in 2016 showing Nigerians labouring under scourging sun in Dubia.