Nigeria seeks compensation from South Africa after a surge of Nigerian citizens fled their homes amid anti‑immigrant protests.
The Nigerian foreign ministry said it would discuss compensation claims with the South African government at the highest diplomatic levels, following the departure of hundreds of Nigerians from South Africa last month.
Acting High Commissioner Alexander Ajayi mentioned a government effort to document the businesses, cars and other assets Nigerians left behind. “We have begun compiling a list of what was abandoned,” he said on local television.
One trader, Oghodero Erejor Wilson, 32, who operated a clothing shop in Centurion, cited the fear that forced him to leave his shop unopened and safe outside. Wilson estimated the goods lost are worth more than 16,000 rand ($975). He said his residence documents expired in 2021 and he was unable to renew them.
Over 600 Nigerians have already been repatriated, while about 25,000 other African nationals continued to leave South Africa following the protests that called for stricter immigration measures. The marches were largely peaceful, though isolated incidents of violence and looting prompted 900 arrests, primarily for immigration offences.
South African officials claim the repatriated citizens were in the country illegally. Nigeria disputes this, insisting the individuals had legitimate reasons for being there.
Foreign Minister Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa added that all claims would be verified before any formal request for compensation is made. He did not rule out that the South African government would eventually acknowledge the losses and provide compensation, but he expressed the expectation of a careful and thorough review.
More information on the compensation process and Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement will be released by the foreign ministry as negotiations progress.
