Nigeria says it will seek compensation from South Africa for its citizens who fled the country after anti-immigrant tensions forced many to leave behind busine...
Nigeria says it will seek compensation from South Africa for its citizens who fled the country after anti-immigrant tensions forced many to leave behind businesses, homes and other property. The Nigerian government said the issue will be raised with South African authorities after losses suffered by affected citizens have been verified. More than 600 Nigerians have already returned home under the ongoing voluntary repatriation programme, while hundreds more are still waiting to leave South Africa.
The latest development comes as foreign nationals continue to be processed at repatriation centres established to assess their immigration status before departure. South African officials have maintained that many of those returning were in the country illegally. Nigeria, however, has rejected that position, insisting that many of its citizens entered South Africa legally and that documentation challenges should not automatically be used to classify them as undocumented migrants.
Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Alexander Ajayi, said the Federal Government intends to pursue compensation for Nigerians who lost investments after deciding to return home. He explained that authorities have started documenting businesses, houses, vehicles and other property abandoned by returnees. According to him, discussions on compensation will take place at the highest diplomatic level after the verification exercise has been completed.
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The repatriation exercise has gathered pace in recent weeks. Nigerian authorities said more than 600 citizens have already been flown back home through government-supported evacuation flights, while additional flights are expected as more registered nationals complete the screening process. Officials say the programme is voluntary and is intended to help citizens who no longer feel safe remaining in South Africa.
The return programme follows weeks of heightened concern over planned anti-immigrant demonstrations in South Africa. Thousands of protesters marched in several parts of the country calling for stronger action against undocumented migrants. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa publicly rejected calls by protest groups attempting to impose their own deadlines for foreigners to leave, stressing that only the government has the authority to enforce immigration laws. Authorities also warned that violence against foreign nationals would not be tolerated.
Nigeria has consistently disputed claims that the majority of its citizens leaving South Africa were living there illegally. Nigerian officials argue that many migrants entered the country through lawful channels but later faced prolonged delays in renewing immigration documents through South Africa’s Home Affairs system. They say those administrative delays should not be interpreted as proof that migrants entered the country unlawfully.
Government officials also said the compensation process will depend on evidence provided by affected citizens. Businesses, homes, vehicles and other assets left behind will be documented before formal discussions begin with South African authorities. Nigerian officials say the objective is to ensure citizens who suffered financial losses receive fair consideration after leaving under difficult circumstances.
The repatriation programme began after increasing numbers of Nigerians expressed interest in returning home because of growing fears over safety. Earlier this year, Nigerian authorities said more than 1,000 citizens had registered for voluntary repatriation as concerns over anti-immigrant violence increased. The programme has continued in phases, with returnees undergoing documentation, profiling and other administrative procedures upon arrival in Nigeria.
The situation has attracted attention across Africa as governments continue to monitor the welfare of their citizens living in South Africa. Rights organisations have also called for the protection of migrants, while South African authorities have reiterated that immigration enforcement should remain the responsibility of state institutions rather than community groups. Officials have maintained that acts of violence, intimidation and looting will be investigated and prosecuted according to the law.
For now, Nigeria says its immediate priority remains assisting citizens who choose to return while preparing a formal compensation claim once the assessment of losses has been completed. The issue is expected to remain on the agenda of diplomatic discussions between Abuja and Pretoria as repatriation flights continue and more Nigerians return home after leaving businesses, homes and other investments behind.
