China and Nigeria are engaging in diplomatic talks following public outrage over a viral video showing Nigerian miners allegedly trafficked and abandoned by a Chinese-owned mining company in the Central African Republic (CAR).
The video, widely circulated online, showed several distressed Nigerian workers stranded in Bambari, a remote town in CAR.
They claimed they were deceived, forced to work for almost a year without pay, denied food and shelter, and had their passports confiscated by Denaco Erado Mining Company, a Chinese firm.
In response to the growing concern, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria issued an official statement confirming that it had launched an immediate investigation into the matter.
The Embassy emphasized that the Chinese government requires all Chinese businesses and nationals operating abroad to follow local laws.
“The Chinese government consistently mandates that all Chinese enterprises and citizens operating abroad strictly comply with local laws and regulations, ensuring all business operations fully adhere to local legal frameworks,” the statement read.
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It also noted that China would “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 Nigerian government also responded swiftly. Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), confirmed that the agency had been alerted to the disturbing video.
He said, “The attention of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has been drawn to the distress call in a viral video where some Nigerians were allegedly maltreated in the Central African Republic (CAR).”
He further explained, “The Nigerians were deceived and abandoned in a foreign land, forced to work for 11 months without pay. Their passports were confiscated, leaving them stranded.”
NiDCOM stated it is working closely with the Nigerian Embassy in CAR to ensure the safe return of the miners.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirming that Nigerian officials in CAR had already contacted the affected miners.
“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 statement read.
The ministry added that a military vehicle had been dispatched to evacuate the miners from Bambari to Bangui, with their arrival in the capital expected by Saturday, July 26.
This incident adds to the growing scrutiny of Chinese mining activities across Africa, where human rights groups have frequently raised alarms about labour abuses, environmental degradation, and insufficient oversight.
As investigations continue, the Chinese Embassy’s prompt response suggests an effort to manage the diplomatic consequences and uphold China’s image as a responsible foreign investor.
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Image Credit: Nairametrics
