The norm in Nigeria with regards to the recruitment of unemployed persons is that majority of recruitment agencies make promises of employment to unsuspecting job seekers which in most cases are non-existent and demand high consulting fees for such unscrupulous service. It is then crucial for companies or organizations keen on operating recruitment service as a recruitment agency or to function as a recruiter in any capacity in Nigeria to comply with the provisions of the Labour Act, CAP L1, LFN 2004, and obtain a RECRUITERS LICENSE from the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has 2 main classes of Recruiter’s License issued to Potential Employment Agencies and Labour Contractors which includes the following:
a. Recruiters License for Domestic Operations
b. Recruiters License for International Operations

RECRUITERS LICENSE FOR DOMESTIC OPERATIONS.
This license serves the purpose of enabling its holder to carry out business as an employment agency within the sovereign territory of Nigeria.
The Domestic application Form can be downloaded from (https://labour.gov.ng/recruiters-licence/) and completed by companies seeking the License.
RECRUITERS LICENSE FOR INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS
This License enables its holder to operate an employment agency within Nigeria as well as aiding the holder to make the placement of Nigerians in jobs abroad.

The International application Form can be downloaded from (https://labour.gov.ng/recruiters-licence/) and completed by Companies seeking the License.

REQUIREMENTS FOR RECRUITER'S LICENSE.
The following are documents and information essential for the procurement of an Employer’s permit/recruiter’s License from the Ministry of Labour and Employment:
1. The application for Recruitment permit must be on the Letterhead paper of the company addressed to the state controller of the Federal
Ministry of Labour, Lagos state office
2. Appropriately Completed application form (Obtainable from https://ibechidoassociates.com/download-legal-documents/
3. Photocopy of the receipt for the payment of the sum of N5,000 (This payment is made through remita)
4. Memorandum and Articles of Association stating that the company actually carry out the business of outsourcing manpower for recruitment
purposes
5. A copy of the management profile to determine the proficiency of the management.
6. Bank Guarantee/Insurance bond for the number of workers recruited.
7. Photocopy of the Certificate of Incorporation
8. Evidence of Registration with a Pension Fund Administrator
9. Copy of contract letter of appointment for both permanent and recruited staff
10. Copy of contract with client company (ies)
11. Three Copies of the company's Handbook/Conditions of Service (A booklet Form)
12. Evidence of health insurance bond for the number of workers recruited
13. Names, addresses and telephone numbers of Directors as contained in the Form CAC 7A of the Company
14. Evidence of registration with NSITF (Employees Compensation)
15. Training Policy for employee/recruited personnel
16. Name(s) of union(s) which workers belong to.
17. Registration with the Industrial Training Fund(ITF)
18. Evidence of registration with a regulatory body in sectors of the focal point
19. Evidence of payment of License fee of N200,000

STEPS FOR PROCESSING OF A RECRUITER’S LICENSE
1. Once the application is submitted, an inspector will be given the mandate to inspect the applicant’s premises.
2. The Inspector will prepare a report which will be sent to the Desk officer
3. The Desk officer will forward the report to the Controller at the Minister's office for processing.
4. The Controller will then issue a Confirmation letter indicating final submission.
5. The Controller at this point will verify all accompanying documents for approval
6. And if approval is given, the sum of N200, 000 will be paid as license fee and evidence of payment sent to the controller after which a Recruiter’s
license will be issued.

Below is a breakdown of relevant fees payable for fresh application and renewal of Domestic and International recruiter’s license.
DOMESTIC
TYPE Application Fees Fees Validity Period
Fresh Application N5000 200,000 2 years
Renewal N5000 100,000 1 years
Renewal N5000 200,000 3 years

INTERNATIONAL
TYPE Application Fees Fee Validity Period
Fresh Application N5,000 300,000 2 years
Renewal N5,000 300,000 2 years

REFERENCES:
• Ministry of Labour and Employment: https://labour.gov.ng/recruiters-licence/
• Ibe, Chido and Associates: https://ibechidoassociates.com/how-to-process-an-employers-permit-recruiters-license-in-nigeria/

Okpi, Ibe Chinedu is the Principal Partner in the Law Firm of Ibe, Chido and Associates ( www.ibechidoassociates.com ) with extensive knowledge in Corporate and Commercial Law Practice. He can be contacted via phone: 07069279374 or email: info@ibechidoassociates.com.or ibechidoassociates.com

Hello, good morning. Thanks for this. Almost 2 years later but how do I make the N5,000 payment please?