Nigeria evacuates citizens and seeks compensation for abandoned assets amid South African xenophobic unrest

The Nigerian government has organised multiple voluntary evacuation flights from South Africa after a wave of xenophobic protests and a 30 June deadline for undocumented migrants. Air Peace flights have returned more than 590 Nigerians, including batches of 258, 66, 269 and 271 people, to Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport. President Bola Tinubu ordered the evacuations and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, led by Dr Bernard Doro, pledged ongoing reintegration support such as cash assistance, transport, employment links and health services.

Acting High Commissioner to South Africa Alexander Ajayi and Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said Nigeria is documenting businesses, vehicles and other assets left behind by returnees to pursue compensation from the South African government. Ajayi told the media that the documentation will be used in “high‑level” diplomatic talks, while Ebienfa warned that claims will be verified before any formal request.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs Ademola Oshodi stressed that diplomatic engagement, not confrontation, will protect Nigerians’ rights and investments in South Africa. The government has summoned South Africa’s High Commissioner, protested attacks on Nigerians, and continues to coordinate with agencies such as the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, NEMA and NIDCOM to monitor returnees’ welfare.