The Federal Government has announced plans to rescue and repatriate a group of Nigerian workers stranded in the Central African Republic (CAR), following a viral video showing their distress in the remote Bambari region.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that officials from Nigeria’s mission in CAR have made contact with the stranded individuals and are coordinating their safe return.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is deeply 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 kilometers from the capital Bangui and abandoned by their employers and facilitators, has been trending on various social media platforms,” the statement read.
The Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, noted that the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui is actively engaging with local authorities to ensure the well-being and prompt evacuation of the affected persons.
“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.”
The ministry added that the workers’ passports had already been recovered, and arrangements are in place for their evacuation from Bambari to the capital.
“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 statement continued.
The government emphasized its commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of Nigerians abroad, urging citizens to take precautionary measures before traveling for work.
“The Federal Government reiterates its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of its citizens everywhere in the world.”
In the advisory, the Ministry urged Nigerians seeking employment overseas to properly vet their prospective employers and ensure all documentation is in order.
“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,” the statement said.
