Key facts
- Nigeria will seek compensation from South Africa for citizens who fled amid anti-migrant violence.
- The Nigerian government is documenting abandoned businesses and properties.
- Hundreds of Nigerians have already been repatriated, with more awaiting evacuation.
- South African authorities claim those repatriated were in the country illegally, a point disputed by Nigeria.
- Recent protests targeted undocumented migrants, with some groups issuing departure deadlines.
Nigeria intends to pursue compensation from South Africa for its citizens who have abandoned businesses and properties due to recent anti-migrant violence. Foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa stated the matter would be discussed at the highest diplomatic levels.
Acting High Commissioner Alexander Ajayi has initiated the process of documenting the assets left behind by Nigerians, including businesses, vehicles, and other movable and immovable properties. One Nigerian trader, Oghodero Erejor Wilson, who lived in South Africa for nearly a decade, reported leaving his clothing business and belongings fearing for his safety, estimating his losses at over 16,000 rand.
More than 600 Nigerians have already been repatriated, with hundreds more awaiting evacuation. South African authorities maintain that those sent home were in the country illegally, a claim Nigeria disputes. The wave of protests targeting undocumented migrants has led approximately 25,000 nationals from other African countries to leave South Africa. Some groups had issued a June 30 deadline for foreigners to depart.
South African police reported around 900 arrests, primarily for immigration-related offenses and looting. Ebienfa emphasized that all compensation claims would undergo verification before any formal request is made to the South African government, assuring that diplomatic channels remain open.