Nigeria says it will seek compensation from South Africa for Nigerians who left the country after anti‑migrant protests.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa confirmed that the issue would be raised at the “highest levels” of diplomatic engagement.
Acting High Commissioner to South Africa Alexander Ajayi said the Nigerian government is documenting businesses, cars, movable and immovable property abandoned by Nigerians. He urged those who left to keep detailed records before the formal claim is made.
Among the evacuees was 32‑year‑old trader Oghodero Erejor Wilson, who fled after living in South Africa for nearly a decade. He shut his clothing shop in Centurion, Gauteng, and lodged near Nigeria’s high commission in Pretoria. Wilson estimates his abandoned goods are worth more than 16,000 rand (about $975).
South Africa alleges many evacuees were in the country illegally and were deported, while Nigeria disputes that claim and says many were forced to leave in fear of violence. Roughly 900 people were arrested during protests, mostly for immigration offences and looting.
Nigeria has already repatriated over 600 citizens in recent weeks. The government hopes to sort out compensation claims through diplomatic channels, despite warnings that the South African government may not reciprocate.
The friction comes amid a surge of anti‑migrant sentiment in South Africa, with groups demanding tighter controls on illegal migration. The protests, which began on 30 June, attracted thousands of demonstrators and saw isolated violence against foreigners. Nigerian embassies have urged citizens to document their abandoned assets, while Nigerian officials maintain diplomatic ties with South Africa remain intact.
