The Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) has cautioned young Nigerians against hastily accepting overseas job offers without proper verification, following the repatriation of 11 stranded miners from the Central African Republic (CAR).
The association’s National President, Mr. Dele Ayankele, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
The Federal Government had facilitated the return of the miners, who arrived in Abuja on 14 August after appealing for rescue in a viral video that highlighted their ordeal.
The miners alleged that a Nigerian agent, working with a Chinese national, lured them to Sénye in the Bambari region about 10 months ago. They said they were abandoned without pay for six months.
Mr. Ayankele described such experiences as part of the wider dangers linked to unverified foreign employment. He recalled reports of Nigerians drowning in Libya while attempting to cross into Europe.
He urged young people to focus on opportunities within Nigeria, stressing that the country’s vast mineral resources could offer sustainable livelihoods if properly harnessed.
“We have always advised our youths to take things easy. Nigeria has immense potential, and they should stay here to explore how these resources can benefit them and contribute to national development,” he said.
The MAN president further advised job seekers to critically evaluate employment opportunities before accepting them. “Anybody can claim to offer employment, but before taking up any job, one must carefully weigh the available options,” he added
