Russia’s Drone Training Scheme for Nigerians Triggers Outrage

The Nigerian government has denied any involvement in a contentious Russian work-study programme allegedly linked to the assembly of military drones used in the Ukraine conflict.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Nigeria was not aware of the initiative, despite a circulating document—bearing official insignia from the Federal Scholarship Board—encouraging Nigerian students to apply for what was described as a technical scholarship in Russia.

The programme, known as “Alabuga Start,” is based in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan, Russia. Though marketed as a vocational opportunity for international students, it has come under scrutiny over claims of forced labour and deceptive recruitment practices, particularly involving young women from Africa.

Claims of Forced Labour and Misrepresentation

Investigations by The Economist and the Associated Press reveal that participants in the Alabuga programme were allegedly misled into working under hazardous conditions on drone assembly lines. Some reports indicate that minors were among the recruits and that many were unaware their work contributed directly to Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.

Former workers cited long hours, surveillance, exposure to toxic substances, and salary discrepancies. Promised wages of $700 per month were reportedly reduced, with deductions for travel, housing, and training costs.

The Alabuga drone factory, a key site for the mass production of Shahed-136 drones—based on Iranian designs—has grown significantly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Satellite imagery confirms ongoing expansion, supporting reports that Russia aims to produce 6,000 drones annually by the end of 2025.

Nigeria’s Alleged Link and Official Denial

Controversy intensified after a letter attributed to the Federal Ministry of Education surfaced online. The document offered 150 scholarships to Nigerian students to study at Alabuga Polytechnic, listing programmes in robotics, automation, programming, and electronics. The offer promised accommodation, stipends, and future employment.

Checks by Sunday PUNCH confirmed that the document had been published on the official website of the Federal Scholarship Board under the title “Russia 2022 Special Economic Zone.”

Despite this, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) both denied any knowledge of the initiative. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Education declined to comment when contacted.

Ukraine and Russia Respond

Ukraine’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Ivan Kholostenko, warned that foreign nationals employed at Russian military-industrial sites could be in grave danger, as such facilities are legitimate targets. He cited a Ukrainian missile strike on the Alabuga zone on April 23, 2025.

The Russian Embassy in Nigeria, however, dismissed criticism of the programme, labeling detractors as “pro-Western.” Russia’s ambassador, Andrey Podelyshev, claimed no knowledge of which foreign nationals were employed in its industrial facilities.

Public Reactions and Calls for Investigation

Nigerians have expressed widespread concern on social media. One user claimed his sister returned from Alabuga traumatized, citing dangerous work conditions and minimal pay. Others criticized the Federal Government for allegedly facilitating the scheme.

Diplomatic experts have urged the Nigerian government to urgently investigate the matter. Former ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, stressed the government’s constitutional responsibility to protect its citizens, regardless of prior awareness of the programme.

Similarly, Professor Bola Akinterinwa, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, suggested that the scholarships might be a tool of geopolitical influence, urging deeper scrutiny.