Nigeria has formally signaled its intention to seek compensation from South Africa for its citizens who have abandoned businesses and properties following a series of violent anti-migrant protests. The escalating tensions have forced thousands of African nationals—including hundreds of Nigerians—to flee the country, leaving behind livelihoods and assets worth millions of rand.
A Call for Diplomatic Action
The Nigerian government, through its Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, confirmed that the issue would be addressed at the highest diplomatic levels. “This matter will be discussed between the two governments at the most senior levels,” Ebienfa stated in an interview with the BBC. The urgency of the situation has prompted Nigeria to initiate a structured approach to documenting abandoned properties and assets, ensuring that any claims for compensation are systematically verified before formal negotiations begin.
Alexander Ajayi, Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, emphasized the need for meticulous record-keeping. “We are asking all Nigerians who have left to document their abandoned properties—whether movable or immovable—including businesses, vehicles, and personal belongings,” Ajayi told local media outlets. This directive comes as Nigerian authorities work to compile evidence for potential compensation claims, a process that will likely involve collaboration with South African authorities.
The Human Toll: Stories of Forced Exodus
The exodus of Nigerian citizens from South Africa has been marked by desperation and financial loss. Oghodero Erejor Wilson, a 32-year-old trader based in Centurion, Gauteng, is among those who have been forced to abandon his livelihood. For nearly a decade, Wilson ran a successful clothing business, but the recent wave of protests—targeting undocumented migrants—left him with no choice but to flee.
“I left everything in my house, including my clothes and business inventory,” Wilson recounted. “I’m losing everything because of fear.” Currently residing near the Nigeria High Commission in Pretoria, Wilson awaits repatriation on an upcoming flight. His abandoned shop, valued at over 16,000 South African rand (approximately $975 or £735), now stands empty—a testament to the economic impact of the crisis.
Wilson’s residency permit had expired in 2021, and despite attempts to renew it, he was unable to secure legal status. His pessimism about compensation is palpable. “If South Africa’s government can compensate, it would be nice, but I know they won’t,” he said, reflecting the broader skepticism among affected Nigerians.
A Wave of Forced Departures
Since the outbreak of anti-migrant protests in South Africa, over 600 Nigerians have already been repatriated, with hundreds more still stranded, awaiting evacuation. The protests, which began as calls for stricter immigration controls, escalated into violent clashes, particularly targeting undocumented migrants. Anti-migrant groups had set a 30 June deadline for foreigners to leave the country, threatening consequences for those who failed to comply.
While most protests were peaceful, isolated incidents of violence against foreigners were reported. South African police confirmed that around 900 people had been arrested, primarily for immigration-related offenses and looting. The government’s stance, however, remains firm: those repatriated were in the country illegally, a claim Nigeria disputes, arguing that many migrants were simply unable to secure legal documentation due to bureaucratic hurdles.
South Africa’s Stance on Compensation
South Africa’s foreign ministry has indicated that any claims for compensation will be assessed case-by-case, with a focus on transparency. Chrispin Phiri, a spokesperson for the South African Foreign Ministry, told the BBC that “transparent claims can be assessed on the facts.” However, the process is expected to be lengthy and complex, given the scale of abandoned properties and the need for verification.
Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts remain undeterred. Ebienfa reassured that the country would continue engaging with South Africa through official diplomatic channels, ensuring that the issue is resolved through bilateral negotiations. “We have not severed ties with South Africa; we are still engaging them at the highest level,” she stated. The Nigerian government’s approach underscores its commitment to protecting its citizens’ interests while navigating the political sensitivities of the situation.
The Broader Impact on African Migrants
The crisis is not isolated to Nigeria. Over 25,000 African nationals from various countries have fled South Africa in recent weeks, contributing to a broader regional migration challenge. The protests have exposed deep-seated tensions over economic competition, job scarcity, and social cohesion, with some South African citizens blaming undocumented migrants for straining public resources.
For Nigerian migrants like Wilson, the situation is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of irregular migration. Many, like him, had invested years into building businesses and lives in South Africa, only to be uprooted by sudden violence and political instability. The question of compensation now looms large—not just as a financial issue, but as a matter of restoring dignity and justice for those who have lost everything.
As Nigeria prepares to push for reparations, the outcome will not only shape bilateral relations between the two nations but also set a precedent for how host countries respond to abandoned assets in cases of mass migration crises. For now, the affected citizens—like Wilson—wait in limbo, hoping for a resolution that acknowledges their suffering and the losses they have endured.
[A Nigerian trader documents abandoned goods in his South African shop before fleeing.]
[South African police arrest protesters during anti-migrant demonstrations.]
[Nigerian citizens gather at the High Commission in Pretoria, awaiting repatriation.]
[Abandoned clothing inventory in a Nigerian-owned shop in Centurion, Gauteng.]
[South African officials review documentation of abandoned properties for potential compensation claims.]
