Nigeria has announced plans to seek compensation from South Africa for properties and businesses abandoned by its citizens who fled recent anti-migrant protests in the country.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa said discussions would be held between both Governments “at the highest levels” to address the matter, while stressing that all claims will be verified before any formal request is made.
Acting High Commissioner to South Africa Alexander Ajayi said authorities have begun documenting businesses, vehicles, and properties left behind by Nigerians as part of a broader repatriation exercise.
More than 600 Nigerians have already been evacuated, while thousands of foreign nationals from across Africa have left South Africa following weeks of protests by anti-immigration groups. The demonstrations, some of which set a self-imposed 30 June deadline for undocumented migrants to leave, were largely peaceful but included isolated incidents of violence and looting, according to police reports.
One Nigerian trader, Oghodero Erejor Wilson, said he abandoned his clothing business in Centurion, Gauteng, due to safety fears, estimating his losses at about 16,000 rand. He is among those awaiting repatriation and has expressed uncertainty about whether compensation will ever be granted.
South African authorities maintain that many of those repatriated were in the country illegally, a claim disputed by Nigerian officials as diplomatic engagements continue.