Nigerian government has expressed deep concerned about the welfare of Nigerian workers currently stranded in the Central African Republic.
The video of the stranded Nigerian nationals in the Bambari region, which is about 850 kilometres from the capital Bangui and abandoned by their employers and facilitators, has been trending on various social media platforms.
The Nigerian government in a statement signed on Friday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa expressed deep concern.
The statement read: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that the affected Nigerians have been contacted by the hardworking officials of our Mission in the Central African Republic, and the Embassy of Nigeria in Bangui is actively engaging with relevant authorities to ensure the safety, protection, and swift repatriation of the affected Nigerian nationals.
“Their passports have been retrieved successfully, and a vehicle has been sent to Bambari to evacuate the stranded Nigerians to Bangui. They are likely to arrive in the capital city with a military escort on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Discussions are also ongoing with the company for their accommodation and welfare while in Bangui and their subsequent repatriation to Nigeria.
The Federal Government also reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of its citizens everywhere in the world.
The statement further read that: “However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to advise Nigerians travelling abroad for work to verify the credibility of their employers and ensure proper documentation before departure.
“Nigerians are also advised to register their presence and that of their employees with the Embassy of Nigeria whenever they are in any foreign country to avert unpleasant experiences in the event of consular issues.”
Meanwhile, the Chinese government said an investigation has began to ascertain the fact of the alleged abandonment.
The Chinese embassy in Nigeria, in a statement said: “A video depicting Nigerian miners allegedly abandoned by a Chinese mining enterprise in the Central African Republic has recently circulated online. The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria attaches great importance to this matter and has initiated an immediate investigation, which continues to ascertain the facts.
“The Chinese government consistently mandates that all Chinese enterprises and citizens operating abroad strictly comply with local laws and regulations, ensuring all business operations fully adhere to local legal frameworks.
“The Chinese side will urge the involved companies to address this matter appropriately, maintain close communication with Nigerian authorities throughout the investigation, and work together to safeguard the lawful rights and interests of citizens of both nations.”
