The President of the Association of Nigerian Communities in Finland (ANCF), Hon. Kingsley Abisi, has warned Nigerians and other members of the public against falling victim to individuals who allegedly exploit people’s desire to relocate to Finland by promising them jobs, study admissions and other opportunities in exchange for money.
Hon. Abisi said the Association had become concerned about the activities of some individuals who present themselves as agents, consultants, recruiters or intermediaries and make attractive promises to prospective migrants and students without providing adequate evidence that such opportunities are genuine.
According to him, Nigerians seeking to come to Finland must exercise extreme caution, particularly when approached with offers that sound too good to be true.
“Nobody should be deceived into believing that paying someone guarantees a job, admission or residence permit in Finland. People must verify every claim independently before parting with their money,” he said.
The ANCF President stressed that genuine employment and educational opportunities in Finland follow established procedures and can be independently verified through the relevant employer or educational institution.
He warned that prospective applicants should be particularly suspicious of anyone who claims to have “special connections” with Finnish companies, universities, government officials or immigration authorities.
Abisi urged Nigerians to make verification their first step before engaging anyone offering employment or study opportunities.
“If someone approaches you and says, ‘I can get you a job in Finland if you pay me,’ or ‘I can guarantee your admission,’ stop and verify. Do not allow desperation or the dream of coming to Finland to override common sense.”
He further advised prospective students to independently confirm the existence of the institution and programme being offered, check the official admission requirements and, where possible, communicate directly with the institution.
Similarly, people offered employment should independently verify the employer, vacancy, employment contract, salary and other relevant details before making any payment.
The ANCF President identified several warning signs members of the public should take seriously.
These include individuals who: Promise guaranteed jobs or admissions, demand large payments before providing verifiable information, ask applicants to transfer money to personal accounts without proper justification, claim to have powerful connections that can bypass normal procedures, produce questionable employment contracts or admission letters, pressure applicants to pay immediately, refuse to allow applicants to independently contact the employer or school, use social media testimonials and screenshots as their primary evidence of legitimacy.
Abisi also advised people to be careful about handing over passports, identification documents, bank information and other sensitive personal information to persons whose credentials they have not independently verified.
The ANCF President acknowledged the strong desire among Nigerians to study, work and build a future in Finland but warned that this legitimate aspiration could be exploited by unscrupulous individuals.
“We understand the dream. Many people want to come to Finland to study, work and build a better life. But that dream should not become an opportunity for someone else to exploit you.”
He said the Association would continue to promote accurate information and responsible engagement within the Nigerian community while encouraging prospective migrants and students to use legitimate channels.
“Our message is simple: VERIFY BEFORE YOU PAY. Ask questions. Check the source. Contact the employer or school directly. Do not rely solely on WhatsApp messages, Facebook posts, TikTok videos or promises from an individual.”
The ANCF further encouraged anyone who believes they have encountered a fraudulent scheme to retain relevant evidence, including messages, receipts, advertisements, contracts and payment records, and to report suspected wrongdoing to the appropriate authorities.
He reaffirmed that the Association remains committed to protecting the interests and reputation of Nigerians in Finland and to ensuring that members of the public have access to reliable information about opportunities and life in Finland.
