Nigeria has announced plans to seek compensation from South Africa for citizens who abandoned businesses, homes and other property while fleeing recent anti-migrant protests that targeted undocumented foreigners.
The Federal Government said the matter would be addressed through diplomatic engagement after hundreds of Nigerians were forced to leave South Africa amid rising tensions over illegal immigration.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa told the BBC that Nigeria would engage South African authorities “at the highest levels” to pursue compensation claims once affected citizens’ losses have been properly documented and verified.
The Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, said the mission had already begun compiling details of businesses, vehicles and other movable and immovable assets left behind by Nigerians who fled the unrest.
“We have asked all those leaving South Africa to accurately document the businesses, cars and other properties they abandoned,” Ajayi said, noting that the information would form the basis of any future discussions with the South African government.
One of those awaiting evacuation, Oghodero Erejor Wilson, said he had lived in South Africa for nearly 10 years before deciding to leave for fear of his safety. The 32-year-old clothing trader said he abandoned his shop and home in Centurion, Gauteng Province, leaving behind goods valued at more than 16,000 rand (about $975).
“I’m losing everything because of fear. I left everything in my house, including clothes,” Wilson said.
More than 600 Nigerians have already been repatriated in recent weeks, while hundreds more remain at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria awaiting evacuation flights.
South African authorities maintain that those being repatriated were living in the country illegally, a claim disputed by the Nigerian government.
The latest wave of departures follows widespread protests by anti-migrant groups demanding stricter action against undocumented foreigners. Some groups had issued a 30 June deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country before organising marches attended by thousands of people.
Although most demonstrations were peaceful, isolated incidents of violence against foreign nationals were reported. South African police said about 900 people were arrested, mainly for immigration-related offences and looting.
Nigeria says it has not suspended diplomatic relations with South Africa and will continue to pursue the matter through established diplomatic channels. The South African government has yet to publicly respond to Nigeria’s planned request for compensation.
