ABUJA/PRETORIA – Nigeria says it will seek compensation from South Africa for its citizens who fled the country following recent protests targeting undocumented migrants.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa said that the issue would be raised at the highest levels between the two governments.
The move comes after hundreds of Nigerians left South Africa amid growing anti-migrant demonstrations, with Nigerian authorities claiming many were forced to abandon businesses, homes and personal belongings because they feared for their safety.
Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, said the government had begun documenting businesses, vehicles and other property left behind by affected citizens in preparation for possible compensation claims.
“We have not severed ties with South Africa; we are still engaging them at the highest level. We will sort those details using our usual diplomatic channels,” Ebienfa said, adding that all claims would first be verified.
Among those awaiting evacuation is 32-year-old trader Oghodero Erejor Wilson, who has lived in South Africa for nearly a decade before fleeing his home and clothing business in Centurion, Gauteng Province.
“I left everything in my house including clothes,” Wilson said. “I’m losing everything because of fear.”
Wilson, whose residency documents expired in 2021, estimated that goods worth more than 16,000 South African rand remained in his shop.
Despite Nigeria’s plans to seek compensation, he said he was uncertain the South African government would pay.
More than 600 Nigerians have already been repatriated in recent weeks, while hundreds more are awaiting evacuation flights.
South African authorities maintain that many of those repatriated were living in the country illegally, a claim disputed by the Nigerian government.
The developments follow weeks of demonstrations by groups demanding stronger action against illegal immigration. Approximately 25,000 nationals from various African countries are reported to have left South Africa during the unrest.
Some anti-migrant groups had given undocumented foreigners until June 30 to leave the country and organized marches attended by thousands of people. While most demonstrations were peaceful, authorities reported isolated incidents of violence against foreign nationals.
South African police said around 900 people were arrested, most of them for immigration-related offences and looting during the protests.
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