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The Federal Government has initiated actions to rescue and repatriate a group of Nigerian workers who find themselves stranded in the Central African Republic.
This decision came after a viral video surfaced, revealing the plight of individuals left unattended in the Bambari region, located approximately 850 kilometers from the capital, Bangui.
In a statement released on Friday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, it was confirmed that representatives from the Nigerian Mission in the Central African Republic have successfully made contact with the affected individuals.
The statement, issued by the ministry’s spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, indicated that the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui is actively working with local authorities to ensure the safety, well-being, and swift repatriation of the victims.
It stated, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is highly concerned about the welfare of Nigerian workers currently stranded in the Central African Republic.
The video of these stranded nationals in the Bambari region, which is about 850 kilometers from the capital Bangui and abandoned by their employers and facilitators, has been widely shared on various social media outlets.”
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to update that the affected Nigerians have been reached out to by the dedicated officials of our Mission in the Central African Republic, and the Embassy of Nigeria in Bangui is actively collaborating with relevant authorities to guarantee the safety, protection, and prompt repatriation of the affected Nigerian nationals.”
The ministry reported that the workers' passports have been collected and arrangements made for a vehicle to evacuate them.
“Their passports have been successfully retrieved, and a vehicle has been dispatched to Bambari to bring the stranded Nigerians to Bangui.
They are expected to arrive in the capital city with military protection on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Ongoing discussions with the company regarding their accommodation and welfare while in Bangui and their subsequent repatriation to Nigeria are also taking place,” the statement continued.
The Federal Government, while reaffirming its dedication to safeguarding its citizens abroad, advised Nigerians seeking overseas employment to thoroughly verify potential employers and ensure that all travel documentation is proper.
“The Federal Government reiterates its commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of its citizens globally. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises Nigerians traveling abroad for work to confirm their employers’ credibility and ensure that all documentation is in order prior to departure.
Furthermore, Nigerians are encouraged to register their presence and that of their employees with the Embassy of Nigeria whenever they are in a foreign nation to prevent unpleasant situations in the event of consular issues,” the statement concluded.
