China, Nigeria in diplomatic talks over abandoned miners in Chinese-owned mines

The video, which circulated widely online, triggered outrage among Nigerians and prompted swift diplomatic attention from both Abuja and Beijing.

The Embassy confirmed via an official statement that it had initiated an immediate investigation into the incident, reaffirming its commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the rights of all citizens involved.

The Statement read: “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.”

It added that “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 Embassy’s response came after a disturbing video circulated online, showing distressed Nigerian miners stranded in Bambari, a remote town in the Central African Republic (CAR).

In the video, the miners claimed they had been trafficked and abandoned by their employer, Denaco Erado Mining Company, a Chinese mining company. They alleged they had worked for nearly a year without pay, were denied food and shelter, and had their passports confiscated.

Reacting to the incident, the Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) 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 added that “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.”

The agency, however, said it was working with the Nigerian Embassy in the CAR to secure the release and safe return of the affected citizens.

Subsequently, in a separate statement signed by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the ministry expressed deep concern.

The statement read: “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.”

According to the ministry, a military vehicle has been dispatched to evacuate the stranded workers from Bambari to Bangui, with an expected arrival in the capital by Saturday, July 26.

This is not the first time Chinese mining operations in Africa have come under scrutiny, with human rights groups repeatedly raising concerns over labour abuses, environmental damage, and lack of oversight in several countries.

While investigations continue, the Chinese Embassy’s response signals a diplomatic effort to contain the fallout and uphold China’s image as a responsible investor in Africa.