Nigeria plans to seek compensation from South Africa for property and businesses abandoned by Nigerian citizens who have fled the country due to recent protests targeting undocumented migrants.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa stated that the issue would be discussed between the two governments at the highest levels. Acting High Commissioner to South Africa Alexander Ajayi confirmed that the Nigerian government has begun documenting the assets left behind by returning nationals.
One Nigerian trader, Oghodero Erejor Wilson, 32, told the BBC that he had lived in South Africa for nearly a decade and was forced to abandon his business and home due to safety concerns. "I left everything in my house including clothes," he said, describing his loss as being "everything because of fear."
Wilson is among hundreds of Nigerians awaiting repatriation. More than 600 Nigerians have already been sent home in recent weeks. South African authorities claim those repatriated were in the country illegally, a claim disputed by Nigeria.
The situation follows a wave of protests in South Africa by groups demanding government action against illegal migration. Approximately 25,000 nationals from other African countries have departed South Africa amid these tensions. Some anti-migrant groups had issued a June 30 deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave, and organized marches were attended by thousands. While these gatherings were largely peaceful, isolated incidents of violence against foreign nationals were reported.
South African police have reported approximately 900 arrests, primarily for immigration-related offenses and looting. The BBC has contacted the South African government for comment on Nigeria's compensation demand.