The Nigerian government has called on Kenyan authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the death of Ms. Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a Nigerian national who was employed as a TikTok content moderator by Teleperformance Kenya. Ms. Olubunmi was found deceased in her Nairobi apartment after being absent from work for three days.
Ms. Olubunmi had relocated to Kenya in 2022 for her role with Teleperformance, a subcontractor for TikTok. Colleagues reported that she had expressed feelings of fatigue and a strong desire to return home to Nigeria, having been unable to do so for two years. Her decomposed body was discovered in her residence, leading to an outpouring of grief among her peers.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive investigation into Ms. Olubunmi’s death. She highlighted the importance of enacting a Labour Mobility Law to protect Nigerians working abroad, ensuring proper documentation, monitoring, and support systems.
The incident has brought attention to the working conditions of content moderators in Kenya. Workers have reported challenges such as low wages, insufficient mental health support, and extended working hours. Additionally, over 100 former Facebook content moderators have filed lawsuits alleging poor working conditions and unjust terminations by a Kenya-based subcontractor.
Ms. Olubunmi’s family, unable to afford the repatriation of her body to Nigeria, is considering local burial arrangements in Nairobi with assistance from her church. Her colleagues held a vigil to honor her memory and express their concerns over the circumstances leading to her untimely death.
NiDCOM remains committed to safeguarding the rights and well-being of Nigerians abroad. The commission advises Nigerians seeking employment overseas to engage only with reputable organizations and to be fully informed of their rights and available support structures.
The Nigerian government continues to liaise with Kenyan authorities to ensure a transparent investigation into Ms. Olubunmi’s death and to address broader concerns regarding the welfare of Nigerian workers abroad.
