A group of six Nigerian miners have been left stranded in an isolated mining site in Senyen village, Central African Republic, after being abandoned by their employers. The miners claim they were contracted by Rado Sebraco Mining Company, owned by a Chinese national, Mr. Yang, and managed by Mr. Abdul Maruf Ademola Aregbe. Despite working for ten months, they haven’t received any payment and are now in dire need of food and assistance.
According to the spokesperson, the miners were delayed and detained in the capital city before being relocated to the job site- Their passports were seized by Mr. Amos a partner of Mr. Aregbe, leaving them without identification. The mining site is approximately 850 kilometers from Bangui, the capital of Central African Republic.
It was disclosed that the miners are currently living in a forest with limited access to basic necessities.
Safeguarding Miners: Urgent Need for Government Action Against Exploitation and Rights Violations
The situation highlights the need for the Nigerian government to take action against companies that exploit workers and fail to meet their contractual obligations. Sanctioning such companies and revoking their licenses could help prevent similar cases in the future.
Similar cases recorded is that of Benue State, where Nigeria, artisanal miners have faced tragic consequences, including deaths and injuries, due to unregulated mining activities. Chinese companies have been accused of rights violations and environmental damage in mining operations in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Namibia
To prevent further exploitation, the Nigerian government should as a matter of urgency- Investigate and sanction companies that fail to meet their contractual obligations to workers. Revoke licenses of companies involved in exploitative practices. Provide assistance to stranded workers and ensure their safe return to Nigeria. Strengthen regulations and enforcement to protect workers’ rights in the mining industry.
…by Akpa Evelyn Ogbene
📢 Visit LouisaOlaniyi.com.ng to read more and join the movement to protect our citizens and stop labor exploitation.
Evelyn Akpa is a talented voice over artist, model, actress, print and broadcast journalist with over 15 years’ experience spanning print, online and television.
