The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that Nigerian workers stranded in the Central African Republic are being assisted by the Embassy of Nigeria in Bangui.
The workers, who were abandoned by their employers and facilitators in the Bambari region, about 850 kilometers from the capital Bangui, had been trending on social media, sparking widespread concern.
The Ministry has stated that the affected Nigerians have been contacted by officials of the Nigerian Mission in the Central African Republic. The Embassy is actively engaging with relevant authorities to ensure the safety, protection, and swift repatriation of the stranded nationals.
According to Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Nigeria in Bangui is working tirelessly to resolve the situation. “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,” he said.
The statement confirmed that the passports of the stranded Nigerians have been retrieved successfully, and a vehicle has been sent to Bambari to evacuate them to Bangui. They are expected to arrive in the capital city with a military escort on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of its citizens everywhere in the world. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also engaging with the company responsible for the workers’ welfare and accommodation while in Bangui and their subsequent repatriation to Nigeria.
In light of this incident, the Ministry has advised Nigerians traveling abroad for work to exercise caution. “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,” the spokesperson stated.
Additionally, the Ministry encourages Nigerians to register their presence and that of their employees with the Embassy of Nigeria in any foreign country. This, according to the Ministry, would help prevent unpleasant experiences in the event of consular issues.
“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 spokesperson added.