By Joy Odor
The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the plight of a group of Nigerian workers stranded in the Bambari region of the Central African Republic (CAR), following reports of abandonment by their employers and facilitators.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, confirmed that the distressing video of the affected Nigerians, located approximately 850 kilometers from the capital city Bangui, has been circulating widely on social media.
According to the Ministry, officials at the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui have made contact with the stranded nationals and are actively coordinating with local authorities to ensure their safety and prompt return home.
“The Embassy has successfully retrieved their passports, and a vehicle has been dispatched to evacuate the group from Bambari to Bangui,” the statement read. “They are expected to arrive in the capital under military escort on Saturday, July 26, 2025.”
Efforts are also underway to secure temporary accommodation and welfare support for the workers in Bangui, pending their repatriation to Nigeria.
The Ministry reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of Nigerian citizens abroad.
It further urged Nigerians seeking overseas employment to conduct due diligence on potential employers and to ensure all necessary travel and work documentation is in place before departure.
Additionally, the Ministry advised Nigerians to register themselves and their employees with the nearest Nigerian mission in any foreign country to facilitate timely assistance during consular emergencies.
The situation continues to be monitored closely as diplomatic channels remain engaged to ensure the swift and safe return of the affected nationals.
