Nigeria says it will seek compensation from South Africa for its citizens who have left the country following recent protests targeting undocumented migrants.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa told the BBC that the issue would be discussed between the two governments “at the highest levels”.
Acting High Commissioner to South Africa Alexander Ajayi said on local television on Tuesday that the government had begun documenting businesses and properties left behind by Nigerians.
One Nigerian trader waiting to be repatriated told the BBC he had lived in South Africa for nearly a decade and had abandoned his business and home because he feared for his safety. Oghodero Erejor Wilson, 32, said he was losing “everything because of fear”. He left his shop closed, abandoning inventory he estimates to be worth 16,000 rand ($975). His residency documents expired in 2021 and he has not renewed them. He has no confidence that compensation will be offered.
South African authorities say those who have been flown home were in the country illegally – a claim disputed by Nigeria. About 25,000 nationals from other African countries have left South Africa following protests that demanded a tougher stance on illegal migration. Some anti‑migrant groups set a June‑30 deadline for foreigners to leave; marches were largely peaceful but isolated violent incidents were reported. The South African police arrested roughly 900 people, mainly on immigration‑related charges and looting. The BBC has asked South Africa’s government for comment on Nigeria’s compensation demand.
