Nigeria Demands Compensation for Assets Abandoned by Citizens During South Africa Exodus

Nigeria to seek compensation for property – Recent weeks have seen a significant exodus of African citizens from South Africa, driven by concerns over anti-migrant violence, as Nigeria prepares to request financial reparation for the assets left behind by its nationals. The Nigerian government, through its foreign ministry, has indicated it will pursue compensation from the South African authorities for properties and businesses abandoned by Nigerians who fled the country amid rising tensions over undocumented migration. This move comes as hundreds of Nigerians remain stranded in South Africa, with thousands having already been repatriated to their homeland.

Assets Left Behind, Claims of Illegal Status

Nigeria’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, confirmed that discussions about compensation will take place between the two nations “at the highest levels.” The Nigerian acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, added that the government has initiated efforts to document the businesses and properties left behind by its citizens. “We are ensuring that all details are meticulously recorded,” Ajayi stated in a recent interview on local television.

“I left everything in my house including clothes,” said Oghodero Erejor Wilson, a 32-year-old Nigerian trader. “I had lived in South Africa for nearly a decade, but the fear of violence forced me to abandon my home and business.”

Wilson, who is among those awaiting evacuation, described his decision as a necessary escape from escalating hostility. He runs a clothing store in Centurion, a city in South Africa’s Gauteng province, and estimates that the inventory and equipment left behind are worth over 16,000 rand ($975; £735). His residency documents expired in 2021, and he has been unable to renew them, leaving him vulnerable to deportation.

While the Nigerian government is seeking financial restitution, South African authorities maintain that those repatriated were in the country illegally. Over 600 Nigerians have been evacuated in recent weeks, yet the South African police claim these individuals were not compliant with immigration laws. This stance has sparked debate, with Nigeria disputing the classification of its nationals as “illegal” and emphasizing their contributions to the local economy.

Mass Protests and Their Impact

The wave of protests that led to the exodus began with a call for stricter measures against undocumented migrants. Some anti-migrant groups set a deadline of 30 June for foreigners to leave the country, prompting widespread demonstrations. These gatherings, attended by thousands, were largely peaceful, but isolated incidents of violence against migrants and foreigners occurred during the events.

South African police reported that approximately 900 individuals were arrested during the protests, primarily for immigration-related offenses and looting. The government’s focus on addressing illegal migration has intensified, with some activists arguing that the policies are prioritizing South African citizens over those of other African nations. “We have to prioritise South Africans,” one protester said, highlighting the sentiment that led to the mass departure.

Diplomatic Engagement and Remaining Challenges

Despite the tensions, Nigeria has not severed diplomatic ties with South Africa and continues to engage at the highest level to resolve the matter. Ebienfa assured the BBC that all claims for compensation will undergo rigorous verification before formal requests are submitted. “Our goal is to reach a mutual understanding through established diplomatic channels,” he said.

Meanwhile, the situation remains complex for those still in South Africa. Wilson, who is scheduled to leave on the next repatriation flight, expressed skepticism about the likelihood of receiving compensation. “If the South African government can compensate, it would be nice, but I know they won’t,” he said, reflecting the broader frustration among Nigerians who feel their sacrifices have gone unrecognized.

Other African nationals have also been affected by the exodus, with more than 25,000 leaving the country following the protests. Many of these individuals faced similar challenges, including the threat of deportation and loss of livelihood. The Nigerian community, in particular, has been hit hard, with businesses shuttered and personal belongings left behind in homes and shops.

Global Attention and Ongoing Dialogue

The BBC has reached out to the South African government for a response to Nigeria’s compensation request, highlighting the international attention the crisis has garnered. As the situation evolves, both nations are navigating the delicate balance between maintaining diplomatic relations and addressing the concerns of their citizens abroad. For now, the focus remains on the repatriation process and the potential for financial reparation.

The exodus has underscored the growing tensions over migration policies in South Africa. While the government claims it is protecting its borders, critics argue that the measures have been overly harsh, particularly for those who have built lives and businesses in the country. The Nigerian community, however, remains resilient, with many expressing a willingness to return once the situation stabilizes.

As the dust settles from the recent protests, the Nigerian government’s demand for compensation serves as a reminder of the broader implications of migration policies on international relations. With over 600 citizens already evacuated and hundreds more waiting, the call for reparation is not just a financial issue but a symbolic gesture of solidarity and recognition for those who have been displaced. South Africa’s response will be crucial in shaping the future of this bilateral relationship and the fate of the remaining Nigerians in the country.

In the meantime, the Nigerian community in South Africa continues to seek support from the High Commission in Pretoria. Wilson, who has taken refuge near the embassy, said he hopes to eventually reclaim his assets. “I want to return to my business, but I need assurance that my losses will be acknowledged,” he said. His story, like many others, highlights the personal toll of a national crisis and the need for a comprehensive resolution.

The BBC’s coverage of the issue has amplified the voices of those affected, drawing international scrutiny to the situation. With ongoing protests and the potential for further displacement, the compensation debate is likely to continue as both countries work to address the fallout. For now, the Nigerian diaspora in South Africa remains on edge, waiting to see if their claims will be met with the support they believe is owed.

As the protests subsided and the exodus continued, the Nigerian government’s approach to seeking compensation reflects a broader strategy of advocating for its citizens abroad. The process, while challenging, underscores the importance of diplomatic engagement in times of crisis. For the thousands of Nigerians who have left South Africa, the journey home is not just about returning to their homeland but also about reclaiming their place in the global economic landscape.