Nigeria seeks compensation from South Africa over abandoned property amid xenophobia fears

Nigeria’s foreign ministry said it will pursue compensation from South Africa for property left behind by Nigerians who fled the country after anti‑immigrant protests and reported xenophobic attacks. Acting High Commissioner Alexander Ajayi and spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa said the matter would be discussed “at the highest levels” and that claims would be documented and verified.

More than 600 Nigerians have already been repatriated, while hundreds remain awaiting return. Individuals such as trader Oghodero Erejor Wilson reported abandoning homes and businesses worth thousands of rand. The South African government, however, ruled out any compensation, with Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni stating in an interview that no payments would be made to foreign nationals for such losses.

The dispute follows a wave of protests demanding tighter migration controls, during which about 25,000 migrants from various African nations left South Africa. Both governments remain engaged diplomatically despite the differing positions on compensation.