The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the condition of Nigerian workers reportedly abandoned by their employers in Bambari, a remote region of the Central African Republic (CAR), approximately 850 kilometres from the capital, Bangui.
In a statement released Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that officials of the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui have made contact with the affected nationals. The Ministry assured that efforts are underway to ensure their safety, welfare, and prompt repatriation.
“Their passports have been retrieved successfully, and a vehicle has been dispatched to Bambari to evacuate them. The stranded workers are expected to arrive in Bangui under military escort on Saturday, July 26, 2025,” the statement read. It also disclosed that arrangements for their accommodation and welfare in Bangui are ongoing, in preparation for their return to Nigeria.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of Nigerian citizens globally and urged Nigerians seeking employment abroad to verify the legitimacy of their prospective employers and ensure proper documentation before departure. Citizens were also advised to register with Nigerian embassies in their host countries to facilitate consular assistance when needed.
Meanwhile, the Chinese government has initiated an investigation into the reported involvement of a Chinese mining company in the alleged abandonment.
In a statement, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria acknowledged the circulating video of the affected Nigerian miners and stressed the Chinese government’s zero-tolerance policy toward unlawful practices by its nationals abroad.
“The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria attaches great importance to this issue and has launched a thorough investigation to verify the facts. Chinese enterprises operating overseas are expected to comply strictly with local laws,” the statement said, adding that the Chinese side is working closely with Nigerian authorities to ensure an appropriate resolution and protection of the legal rights of both countries’ citizens.
