By Nigerians stranded in Central African Republic
FG moves to repatriate citizens
Summary
- Dozens of Nigerians stranded in Bambari after being allegedly exploited by Chinese mining company
- Workers forced to endure 11 months of unpaid labour, passport seizure, and deteriorating conditions
- Nigerian Embassy and NiDCOM step in to recover passports and facilitate repatriation
- FG urges Nigerians to verify overseas job offers amid growing concerns over exploitative practices
Abuja Nigeria — The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced efforts to repatriate a group of Nigerian workers stranded in the Bambari region of the Central African Republic (CAR), following revelations of alleged exploitation by a Chinese mining company.
The matter gained national attention after a video went viral, showing distressed Nigerian men pleading for help. Reports revealed that the workers were lured with promises of high-paying jobs but were instead subjected to harsh working conditions, held without pay for 11 months, and had their passports confiscated. Trapped in a remote and increasingly insecure area some 850 kilometres from CAR’s capital, Bangui, the workers’ health and welfare had reportedly deteriorated.
In a statement issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government confirmed that the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui had located the affected individuals and successfully recovered their passports. Arrangements have been made to evacuate them to the capital on or before 26 July 2025 using an embassy vehicle with military escort.
Discussions are ongoing between the embassy and the implicated Chinese company regarding temporary accommodation and welfare for the stranded workers in Bangui. The ultimate goal, officials say, is to ensure their safe return to Nigeria in collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), headed by Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
NiDCOM also confirmed its involvement, stressing that the commission is working closely with the embassy to coordinate logistics and ensure the well-being of the affected Nigerians during the repatriation process.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerians abroad and urged citizens to thoroughly verify overseas employment offers, including confirming the legitimacy of foreign employers and securing proper documentation.
The incident has sparked outrage and renewed scrutiny over exploitative labour practices in conflict-affected regions like CAR. Rights groups and commentators have called for accountability from the Chinese firm and stronger bilateral mechanisms to safeguard migrant workers from similar abuses in the future.
