Thousands of African migrants have fled South Africa in recent weeks as anti-migrant protests spread across the country. Now, the Nigerian government says it plans to seek compensation for citizens who were forced to leave behind businesses, homes, and other valuable property.
The announcement comes after hundreds of Nigerians were repatriated from South Africa following protests that mainly targeted undocumented migrants. Nigerian officials say discussions on compensation will be handled through diplomatic talks between both countries.
According to Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the issue will be raised with South African authorities at the highest diplomatic level. He told the BBC that the Nigerian government is gathering evidence of losses before making any formal request for compensation.
Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, also confirmed that officials have started documenting businesses, vehicles, homes, and other properties abandoned by Nigerians during the unrest. He urged affected citizens to provide detailed records of everything they left behind to support any future compensation claims.
One of those awaiting evacuation is 32-year-old Oghodero Erejor Wilson, who told the BBC he fled South Africa after fearing for his life. Wilson had operated a clothing business in Centurion, Gauteng Province, for several years but said he abandoned both his shop and home to seek safety near the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria.
“I left everything in my house, including clothes,” Wilson said. “I’m losing everything because of fear.”
Wilson estimated that goods worth more than 16,000 South African rand were left behind in his clothing shop. He admitted that his residency permit expired in 2021 and that he had been unable to renew it. Despite Nigeria’s efforts to pursue compensation, he said he is not optimistic about receiving any payment.
“If the South African government can compensate it, it will be nice, but I know they won’t,” he said.
More than 600 Nigerians have already returned home, while hundreds more are expected to be evacuated. South African authorities maintain that those repatriated were living in the country illegally, although Nigerian officials dispute that claim.
The recent wave of protests has prompted about 25,000 nationals from several African countries to leave South Africa. Protest groups demanding stronger action against illegal migration had given undocumented migrants until June 30 to leave the country and organized nationwide demonstrations on Tuesday.
Although most of the marches were peaceful, there were isolated cases of violence and looting. South African police reported that around 900 people were arrested, with most of the arrests linked to immigration offences and looting during the demonstrations.
South Africa has not rejected Nigeria’s request outright. Chrispin Phiri of South Africa’s Foreign Ministry said any compensation requests would be considered individually, provided there is sufficient evidence to support each claim. He noted that transparent claims could be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Nigeria has emphasized that it is not seeking to damage its relationship with South Africa. Instead, officials say they will continue working through diplomatic channels while ensuring that any compensation requests are backed by verified documentation.
Why is Nigeria seeking compensation from South Africa?
Nigeria says many of its citizens were forced to abandon businesses, homes, vehicles, and other valuable property because of fears for their safety during anti-migrant protests. The government wants South Africa to consider compensating verified losses through diplomatic discussions.