Reports revealed that young African women, including Nigerians, were recruited under misleading pretences and subjected to gruelling labour conditions.
The Federal Government has denied any role in a controversial Russian work-study scheme allegedly linked to the production of military drones used in the Ukraine war.
The “Alabuga Start” programme, based in Russia’s Alabuga Special Economic Zone, has come under scrutiny after reports revealed that young African women, including Nigerians, were recruited under misleading pretences and subjected to gruelling labour conditions assembling Iranian-designed suicide drones.
While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission both denied knowledge of the scheme, a document from the Federal Ministry of Education posted on an official government website advertised scholarships for Nigerian students to Alabuga Polytechnic.
A viral report by The Economist and corroborated by the Associated Press alleged that the recruits were unaware their work supported Russia’s war effort, with some exposed to toxic chemicals and paid less than promised.
Ukraine’s Ambassador to Nigeria warned that African nationals working at such military facilities face grave risk, as they are considered legitimate targets.
Amid mounting concerns, ex-diplomats have urged the FG to demand clarity from Moscow.
Citizens and former participants have also taken to social media to criticise the government for allegedly failing to protect Nigerian youth abroad.