NUMW Laments Abandonment of Nigerian Miners in Central African Republic, Urges Federal Government Intervention

The leadership of the Nigeria Union of Mine Workers (NUMW) and the Heavy Equipment Operators Section (Caterpillar Coordinators) has raised an alarm over the abandonment of eleven Nigerian mine workers by their employer in the Central African Republic (CAR).

The unions are urgently calling on the Federal Government and relevant agencies to intervene and rescue the stranded workers.

In a joint statement released to the press on Friday in Awka, the Anambra State capital, the President of NUMW, Comrade Hamza Muhammad, and the National Coordinator of the Heavy Equipment Operators Section, Comrade James Danjuma, appealed for swift government action.

They specifically urged the Minister of Labour and Employment, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), security agencies, and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to take immediate steps to facilitate the workers’ repatriation.

According to the union leaders, the affected workers were employed by Denaco Erado Mining Company in Nigeria and were deployed to the Central African Republic over eleven months ago for mining operations.

However, they were subsequently abandoned by the company, whose expatriate management staff allegedly fled the area taking the workers’ passports and vital documents with them.

The abandoned workers have been identified as, Stephen Abel Otidi, Alih Joel, Samuel Ojochenemi, Ajosi Julius, Yusuf Bameyi, Akubo Oluwa Sevu, Collins Odeh, Peter Adewale, Yekini Anifowose, Ritimi Kupohuyi, and Igorigo Freeborn.

NUMW Chairman in Anambra State, Comrade Kelvin Onyah, described the situation as dire, stating that the workers are currently stranded without food, water, or shelter. “Their health and welfare are at serious risk. The government must act immediately to bring them home,” he said.

The union also revealed that the workers are owed eleven months’ salaries and are demanding full payment of their outstanding entitlements, along with the return of their seized passports.

“We call for immediate action to rescue these workers and urge the government to take disciplinary measures against Denaco Erado Mining Company to serve as a deterrent to other companies who might consider similar inhumane treatment of Nigerian workers abroad,” the statement read.

Comrade James Danjuma also used the opportunity to advise all Caterpillar and heavy equipment operators intending to work abroad to follow due process. “Operators should ensure they are connected with the appropriate union the Heavy Equipment Operators Section of NUMW before taking up jobs outside the country. This will help safeguard their rights and wellbeing,” he added.

In a telephone interview with our correspondent, Comrade Onyah reiterated that the workers are in distress and want to return to Nigeria.

“They have no access to food, water, or accommodation, and have been left without salaries. Their main request is simple: return our passports, pay our salaries, and bring us home.”he added.