Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on Kenyan authorities to investigate the death of Ladi Olubunmi, a Nigerian content moderator employed by Teleperformance, a social media contracting firm in Kenya.
Olubunmi was found dead in her Nairobi apartment last week, with reports indicating that her decomposing body was discovered three days after her unexplained absence from work.
In a statement released on Thursday by Gabriel Odu of NiDCOM’s media and public relations unit, Mrs Dabiri-Erewa extended condolences to Olubunmi’s family and urged a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her untimely passing.
“Proper mobility of labour law in Nigeria would protect the rights and well-being of Nigerians employed abroad, ensuring proper documentation, monitoring, and support systems,” she stated, emphasising the need for strong legal frameworks to safeguard Nigerians working overseas.
Olubunmi’s colleagues accused her employer of denying her requests to travel to Nigeria, but Teleperformance Kenya denied the allegations, stating they did not refuse her leave. However, her family revealed that she had only travelled home once in three years.
The family, unable to afford the repatriation of her body, is considering a local burial with the help of her church in Nairobi.
Dabiri-Erewa assured that NiDCOM is working closely with the Nigerian High Commission in Kenya to monitor the case and provide necessary support to the family. She also urged Nigerians in Kenya to remain calm while investigations continue.
Olubunmi’s death has brought renewed attention to the challenging conditions faced by content moderators in Kenya. Workers at subcontracted firms cite issues like low pay, lack of mental health support, long hours, and intimidation.
At a vigil held on Tuesday, colleagues highlighted these concerns, with one worker, Kauna Malgwi, stating that over 100 Nigerians at Teleperformance lack work permits, preventing them from traveling home despite having annual return ticket benefits.
This incident coincides with ongoing legal action by more than 100 former Facebook content moderators against its Kenya-based subcontractor, Samasource, over claims of poor pay, harsh working conditions, and unfair termination.
Dabiri-Erewa advised Nigerians seeking overseas employment to ensure they work with reputable organizations and stay informed about their rights and available support structures.
