Chinese Prisoners Working In Nigeria: A Shameful Practice Tinubu Must End

Chinese prisoners serving their sentences in Nigeria as labourers for Chinese companies is an unsettling revelation.

These individuals, identified by ankle monitors or distinctive tattoos, are not traditional expatriate workers. They are convicted criminals sent from China to work under the guise of employment.

This practice, though lucrative for Chinese corporations, raises alarming concerns about Nigeria’s sovereignty, labour rights, and national security.

The Ugly Truth Behind the Practice

They’re not ordinary expatriate workers. They are convicted criminals in China sent here to finish their terms under the guise of employment in Chinese companies in Nigeria.

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While their salaries or compensation are often better than what Nigerian workers receive for similar jobs, their very presence on our soil undermines international diplomatic norms and poses significant risks to our society.

Reports indicate that these prisoners are found in construction sites, factories, and other Chinese-managed enterprises in Nigeria. Their ankle monitors or tattoos serve as identifiers, setting them apart from regular workers. Yet, despite these glaring indicators, Nigerian authorities have largely turned a blind eye.

Why This Practice Is Unacceptable

A Threat to Sovereignty
Allowing foreign prisoners to work on Nigerian soil undermines our sovereignty. Nigeria is not a penal colony for China or any other country, and this arrangement devalues the nation’s authority by enabling foreign interests to exploit our labor market and resources.

Impact on Local Workers
Shockingly, these prisoners often earn better wages than Nigerian labourers, creating deep resentment among local workers. This disparity perpetuates inequality, as capable Nigerians are sidelined while convicted criminals are given preferential treatment.

Security and Social Risks
The presence of convicted criminals introduces significant safety risks. Little is known about their crimes in China, leaving Nigerian communities vulnerable to potential harm. This situation also fosters social tension, as citizens question why foreign prisoners are given jobs that could benefit locals.

Erosion of Trust in Leadership
The Nigerian government’s failure to address this issue suggests negligence or complicity. For decades, this practice has persisted without explanation, leaving citizens to wonder whether official agreements exist to facilitate such exploitation. By prioritizing foreign corporate interests over the welfare of Nigerians, the government risks losing the trust of its people.

Exploitation in Action
Reports from Lagos, Abuja, and Ogun State highlight this systemic issue. Witnesses have identified prisoners working on construction sites and in factories, often under the supervision of Chinese managers. These prisoners’ ankle monitors and tattoos set them apart, yet the authorities have largely ignored their presence.

A Government That Looks the Other Way

President Bola Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping

The Nigerian government’s failure to address this issue reeks of complicity or negligence. For decades, this practice has persisted without any public explanation or intervention. Which authority allowed this to happen? Was there an official agreement between Nigeria and China to facilitate this?  These are questions that demand urgent answers.

Allowing this to continue sends a troubling message that Nigeria’s leadership is more concerned about pleasing foreign corporations than protecting the rights and dignity of its people. This is not only shameful but dangerous for the future of our nation.

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Though the Nigerian government has tried to keep this practice under wraps, there have been reports of Chinese prisoners working in Nigerian infrastructure projects and manufacturing plants. For instance:  In Lagos and Abuja, witnesses have reported seeing workers with ankle monitors performing tasks under the supervision of Chinese managers in construction sites.

In Ogun State, local workers have alleged that some of their Chinese colleagues were visibly marked with tattoos and bracelets associated with penal programs in some factories.

These instances point to a systemic issue that demands immediate government investigation and action.

What Needs to Be Done

1. Transparent Investigation: The Nigerian government must launch a transparent investigation into this practice, identifying those responsible for enabling it.

2. Ban on Prison Labour: All agreements that allow foreign prisoners to work in Nigeria must be immediately annulled.

3. Protect Local Workers: The government must prioritize Nigerian workers in all industries, ensuring fair pay and opportunities.

4. Hold Chinese Firms Accountable: Any company found exploiting prison labor must face severe penalties, including fines and bans.