In brief
Nigeria has announced it will pursue a claim for compensation over the properties and businesses abandoned by its nationals in South Africa, following a wave of anti‑migrant demonstrations that forced many to flee. Foreign ministry spokespeople say the request will be made at the highest diplomatic levels, after the Nigerian High Commissioner documented the assets left behind. A trader suffering a loss of over 16,000 rand has highlighted the human cost of the emigration, while South Africa maintains the evacuees were in the country illegally. The outcome will depend on a verification process and diplomatic talks between the two countries.
Nigeria has announced it will pursue a claim for compensation over businesses and homes left behind by Nigerian citizens in South Africa, following a wave of anti‑migrant protests that forced many to flee the country.
The Nigerian foreign ministry spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the issue will be discussed “at the highest levels” of both governments. Canada high commissioner Alexander Ajayi confirmed that the Nigerian embassy in Pretoria has begun documenting abandoned property, including cars and movable assets.
Oghodero Wilson, a 32‑year‑old Nigerian trader, explained that he had run a clothing store in Centurion for almost a decade before leaving his shop and home due to fear. He estimates the goods left behind are worth more than 16,000 rand (approximately US$975).
The South African authorities claim that those who have been repatriated were in the country illegally, a stance that Nigeria disputes. Some 25,000 nationals of other African countries also departed the country following the protests, which demanded more stringent measures against undocumented migration.
The Nigerian government awaits verification of claims before making a formal request for compensation. Both countries have confirmed they remain engaged in diplomatic talks, with a potential resolution hinging on mutual agreement and documentation of the abandoned assets.
Image source: Getty Images
