Nigeria distances itself from Russian scholarship linked to military drone production

Business Insider

01-06-2025

A controversial Russian scholarship scheme has triggered widespread outrage in Nigeria following revelations that several young Nigerians, including minors, were recruited under false pretenses to work in drone factories supporting Russia's war in Ukraine.
The Nigerian government has denied endorsement and involvement, emphasizing unauthorized recruitment by private parties.
The program was marketed as a scholarship opportunity but lacked educational aspects once applicants arrived in Russia.
The incident has raised concerns over youth exploitation and diplomatic implications, calling for stricter oversight on foreign opportunities.
The scheme, advertised as a scholarship and vocational training opportunity, promised Nigerian youths a chance to gain new skills and earn stipends in Russia's Alabuga Special Economic Zone.
A letter issued to selected applicants presented the program as a legitimate academic and industrial training opportunity.
However, upon arrival, recruits were assigned to hazardous factory jobs, assembling military drones instead of receiving any formal education.
The Alabuga Special Economic Zone, initially known for general industrial production, has reportedly transformed into a major site for building drones used by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine.
According to the report, the Nigerian workers faced tough working conditions, including long hours, poor treatment, and unpaid or underpaid wages. Some described feeling trapped and misled by the nature of the work, which they claimed was never disclosed during recruitment.
Public Outrage and Official Responses
The revelation has sparked sharp criticism from Nigerians on social media, with many expressing anger over the exploitation of young citizens seeking better opportunities abroad. Critics questioned how such a program gained ground in the first place and whether there were any Nigerian agencies involved.
Amid mounting pressure, the Federal Government of Nigeria has denied any involvement.
In a statement through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it stated that it neither facilitated nor endorsed the recruitment. The government also emphasized that it had not granted approval for any agency to send Nigerians abroad under such a scheme.
Former Nigerian diplomats added their voices to the conversation, calling for urgent investigations into how Nigerian youths were allowed to travel for a program tied to military activity in a foreign conflict.
They raised alarms over the diplomatic implications and the potential risk to the country's reputation.
Adding to the concern, Ukraine's ambassador to Nigeria warned that the drone production zones, such as the one in Alabuga, are legitimate military targets due to their role in the ongoing war.
This means the Nigerian workers could unknowingly be placing themselves in danger.
The Russian Embassy in Nigeria, however, dismissed the allegations, calling the reports fabricated and misleading. It insisted that there was no exploitation of Nigerians and that the claims were intended to damage Russia's image.
The incident has reignited conversations around youth unemployment, desperation, and the lure of overseas programs that promise better futures.
Many are now calling for stronger checks and more accountability in how Nigerians, especially young people, are recruited for foreign opportunities to ensure they are protected and not lured into exploitative or dangerous situations.