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From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Chinese Government has initiated an investigation into an alleged case of abandonment of Nigerian miners in Central African Republic (CAR) by a Chinese company.
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, in a statement issued in Abuja, said a video depicting Nigerian miners allegedly abandoned by a Chinese mining enterprise in the Central African Republic has recently circulated online.
The embassy said it attached great importance to the matter and has initiated an immediate investigation, which continues to ascertain the facts. The Chinese Embassy further said the Chinese government consistently mandates that all Chinese enterprises and citizens operating abroad to strictly comply with local laws and regulations, ensuring all business operations fully adhere to local legal frameworks.
“The Chinese side will urge the involved companies to address this matter appropriately, maintain close communication with Nigerian authorities throughout the investigation, and work together to safeguard the lawful rights and interests of citizens of both nations,” the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria said.
Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said it was deeply concerned about the welfare of the workers currently stranded in the Central African Republic.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued by its Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, also said 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 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.
“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 today). Discussions are also ongoing with the company for their accommodation and welfare while in Bangui and their subsequent repatriation to Nigeria.
