Stranded Nigerians in CAR
By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja ·
A viral video showing Nigerian workers stranded in the Central African Republic (CAR) has sparked a thorough investigation by the House of Representatives Committee on China-Nigeria Parliamentary Relations.
The workers alleged they were abandoned by a Nigerian businessman, purportedly linked to a Chinese company, who withheld their passports, failed to pay their wages, and left them in dire conditions.
The stranded workers claimed they were recruited by a Nigerian businessman, Abdulrauf Ademola, who allegedly linked them to a Chinese company.
However, they were abandoned in a remote area of CAR, about 850km from the capital, Bangui.
The workers accused Ademola of confiscating their passports, denying them food and shelter, and failing to pay their wages for nearly a year.
Investigation Underway
The House of Representatives Committee on China-Nigeria Parliamentary Relations has launched a comprehensive investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Chairman of the committee, Rep. Jaafaru Yakubu described the situation as “deeply regrettable” and assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway to ensure accountability.
“The committee regrets the unfortunate situation the Nigerian workers are being subjected to in CAR and assures that a comprehensive investigation is currently ongoing,” Yakubu stated.
Clarification on Chinese Embassy Involvement
The committee clarified that Abdulrauf Ademola is not affiliated with the Chinese Embassy or the China General Chamber of Commerce.
“His actions or inactions should not be linked to the Embassy or Chinese enterprises doing their legitimate businesses in Nigeria,” the committee emphasized.
China-Nigeria relations have flourished over time, yielding significant results across key sectors, including trade, investment, infrastructure, technology, human capital development, and people-to-people partnerships.
*Rescue Efforts*
The Federal Government confirmed the rescue of the stranded workers on Tuesday.
The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the workers had been successfully rescued and were currently in the custody of the Embassy of Nigeria in Bangui.
Ebienfa lauded the Nigerian Embassy officials and the Government of the Central African Republic for the successful operation.
*Denial by Ademola*
Abdulrauf Ademola has denied the allegations, refuting claims of passport seizure, non-payment of salaries, and desertion of the workers.
In a public statement, Ademola maintained that the allegations were false.
The committee urged the media to report China-Nigeria relations in a fair, balanced, and truthful manner, reflecting the solidarity and mutual relationship between the two countries.
