Nigeria to Seek Compensation for Citizens Fleeing South Africa’s Anti‑Migrant Protests

The Federal Government of Nigeria says it will pursue compensation from South Africa for Nigerian citizens who have fled the country following recent anti‑migrant protests targeting undocumented foreigners.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa told the BBC on Wednesday that the matter would be discussed “at the highest levels” between both governments.

Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, also disclosed on Tuesday that officials had begun documenting businesses, homes, vehicles, and other properties abandoned by Nigerians who fled due to safety concerns.

ValidViewNetwork reports that one of the affected Nigerians, Oghodero Erejor Wilson, 32, said he had lived in South Africa for nearly a decade but abandoned his clothing business and home in Centurion, Gauteng, out of fear.

“I left everything in my house including clothes… I am losing everything because of fear,” Wilson told the BBC.

He is among hundreds of Nigerians awaiting evacuation, with more than 600 already repatriated in recent weeks.

Background: Rising Anti‑Migrant Tensions in South Africa

The South African authorities maintain that many of those repatriated were in the country illegally — a claim Nigeria disputes.

ValidViewNetwork reports that the protests, led by anti‑migrant groups demanding stricter enforcement of immigration laws, have triggered a mass exodus of foreign nationals. About 25,000 Africans from various countries have left South Africa in recent weeks.

Some groups had issued a 30 June deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave, followed by marches attended by thousands. While largely peaceful, isolated incidents of violence and intimidation were recorded.

South African police say about 900 people were arrested, mostly for immigration‑related offences and looting.

Compensation Claims to Be Verified

South Africa’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri, told the BBC that “transparent claims for compensation can be assessed on the facts and a case‑by‑case basis.”

Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner Ajayi said evacuees had been instructed to document all losses, including movable and immovable property.

Ebienfa confirmed that all claims would be thoroughly verified before any formal request is submitted.

“We have not severed ties with South Africa… we are still engaging them at the highest level,” he said, adding that discussions would proceed through established diplomatic channels.

Wilson, who estimates his abandoned goods at over 16,000 rand ($975; £735), said his residency documents expired in 2021 and he had been unable to renew them. Despite the government’s efforts, he expressed doubt about receiving compensation:

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“If South Africa government can compensate, it will be nice, but I know they won’t.”