Nigeria seeks compensation for assets left behind by returning citizens
Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, said the federal government is preparing to pursue compensation for businesses and investments abandoned by Nigerians who have opted to return home under a voluntary evacuation programme. The initiative follows a surge in anti‑immigration protests across South Africa that have raised fears of xenophobic violence and disrupted commercial activities.
Documenting abandoned assets
In an interview with Channels Television on 30 June 2024, Ajayi explained that the Nigerian Mission in Pretoria has directed returnees to compile detailed records of the property they left behind. This includes:
- shops and stores
- movable assets such as vehicles
- immovable assets like real estate and equipment
The collected documentation will serve as evidence of the economic value of these investments and could support future claims for damages against parties responsible for the losses.
Diplomatic engagement with South Africa
Ajayi noted that the matter has already been raised with South African officials, including the country’s deputy finance minister. “Just three days ago I met with the deputy finance minister and we discussed the issue,” he said. The discussions aim to establish a framework for assessing compensation and to ensure that the concerns of affected Nigerian nationals are addressed through formal diplomatic channels.
Evacuation amid rising tensions
The voluntary repatriation effort is a response to worsening security perceptions among Nigerians living in South Africa. According to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, approximately 335 citizens have been evacuated since the programme began.
Scale of the undocumented population
Government estimates suggest that around 500,000 Nigerians residing in South Africa may be undocumented, although this figure has not been independently verified by international observers. The large undocumented community heightens vulnerability to sudden policy shifts or enforcement actions.
Motivations for return
While many Nigerians in South Africa hold legal residency, Ajayi observed that some have chosen to return voluntarily because they fear the protests could disrupt their businesses or escalate into violence. The decision to leave is often driven by a desire to protect livelihoods and personal safety.
International reactions and broader implications
The anti‑immigration demonstrations, branded by organizers as the “March and March” movement, commenced nationwide on 30 June 2024, with calls for the mass deportation of undocumented migrants. The protests have attracted attention from foreign missions and regional bodies.
United States diplomatic response
The U.S. Embassy in South Africa announced a reduction of operations at its facilities in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Pretoria, citing potential security risks linked to the protests. Embassy officials urged U.S. citizens to remain vigilant and avoid large gatherings.
South African government’s stance
President Cyril Ramaphosa has publicly appealed for peaceful protest and warned against vigilantism, emphasizing the need to uphold the rule of law. The South African Department of Home Affairs has stated that it is monitoring the situation and will enforce immigration laws in accordance with national legislation.
Potential diplomatic friction
Analysts note that Nigeria’s move to seek compensation could become a new point of contention between Africa’s two largest economies. While Pretoria has not yet accepted responsibility for private assets left behind by foreign nationals, Abuja’s documentation effort signals a shift from consular assistance to a more formal negotiation on economic reparations.
Outlook
As the evacuation programme continues, Nigerian officials say they will maintain close contact with South African authorities to resolve outstanding issues related to abandoned property. The success of any compensation claim will depend on the willingness of both governments to engage transparently and on the robustness of the evidence gathered from returnees. For now, the focus remains on protecting the safety and economic interests of Nigerians affected by the unrest in South Africa.
