Nigeria’s foreign ministry has announced plans to seek compensation from the South African government for the property abandoned by Nigerian citizens who fled after anti‑migrant protests.
Foreign‑minister spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa told the BBC that the issue would be discussed at the highest level between the two governments. Acting High Commissioner to South Africa Alexander Ajayi confirmed the Nigerian government is documenting businesses and properties left behind.
One of the affected traders, 32‑year‑old Oghodero Erejor Wilson, said he had opened a clothing store in Centurion, Gauteng but was forced to close it and flee to Pretoria due to fear for his safety. He estimates the goods left in his shop are worth more than 16,000 rand ($975).
According to Ajayi, the Nigerian High Commissioner’s office is urging Nigerians who have left South Africa to record accurately the assets they abandoned—including cars, movable and immovable property. This data will be verified before a formal claim is made.
South Africa maintains that repatriated citizens were present illegally, a stance Nigeria disputes. The anti‑migrant protests that prompted the exodus began on 30 June and drew thousands to marches. Despite the marches being largely peaceful, isolated incidents of violence were reported the following day, leading to the arrest of about 900 people, mainly on immigration offences and looting.
More than 600 Nigerians have already been repatriated, yet many remain waiting for evacuation. "If South Africa’s government can compensate it, it will be nice, but I know they won’t," Wilson remarked, pessimistic about a reimbursement.
While Nigeria hasn’t severed ties with South Africa, it remains engaged diplomatically to secure restitution for its citizens’ losses.
