Fresh concerns trail recruitment of Nigerian women into Russian Alabuga start scheme

• FG denies endorsing programme
From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
Fresh concerns have emerged over the recruitment of Nigerian women into Russia’s controversial Alabuga Start programme following reports alleging that the scheme, which promises education and employment opportunities abroad, has been used to channel recruits into drone manufacturing while exposing some participants to exploitation and abuse.
Investigations by international and Nigerian media organisations indicate that the programme recruits young Nigerian women through social media campaigns and local travel agencies, despite Nigerian authorities insisting they never endorsed the initiative.
The latest concerns follo...