Nigeria Demands Compensation from South Africa for Properties Abandoned by Citizens Amid Anti-Migrant Protests

PrimeTime News Desk Published 2 July 2026

3 min read

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JOHANNESBURG — The Nigerian government has initiated formal steps to seek compensation from South African authorities for businesses, homes, vehicles, and other assets left behind by its nationals who fled the country amid renewed anti-immigrant protests and tensions.

Over 600 Nigerians have already been repatriated, with hundreds more awaiting return, according to officials. Many returnees reportedly abandoned properties and investments built over years due to safety fears during demonstrations targeting undocumented migrants.

Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Alexander Ajayi, stated that Nigerian authorities have begun systematically documenting movable and immovable properties, including businesses and vehicles, abandoned by affected citizens. This inventory aims to support compensation claims in discussions with the South African government.

The Federal Government describes the effort as extending beyond evacuation to protect citizens’ long-term investments. Ajayi emphasized that the documentation process will enable high-level bilateral talks once verified.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa confirmed that compensation issues would be raised between the two governments at the highest levels. Nigeria disputes South African claims that many departing Nigerians were in the country illegally, maintaining that verified losses warrant redress.

The latest wave of protests in South Africa has focused on undocumented foreigners, with demonstrators citing strains on public services, competition for jobs, and high national unemployment exceeding 30%. Protests included actions in areas like Johannesburg and Pretoria, with reports of house-to-house searches, looting, and violence targeting migrants from Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, and Congo.

South African officials processed foreign nationals at repatriation centers to assess status. A June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave contributed to the departures. Nigerian officials maintain that returnees left under duress from the climate of unrest.

This development occurs against a backdrop of recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa. Previous major incidents in 2009, 2015, and 2019 resulted in deaths and injuries among foreign nationals, including Nigerians, prompting diplomatic responses and, at times, retaliatory actions against South African interests in Nigeria.

In the current situation, Nigeria has pursued voluntary repatriation without funding full evacuations for all. Citizens indicating interest in return often include those whose visas or documentation may have expired or lack full regularization. Nigeria has coordinated with South African authorities to facilitate safe exits and processing.

Earlier in 2026, incidents included the deaths of at least two Nigerian men in April, one allegedly beaten by South African National Defence Force personnel. Nigerian officials, including Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, expressed strong concerns and considered broader measures while prioritizing citizen protection.

Nigerian police have warned against reprisal attacks on South African nationals or businesses in Nigeria, stressing that any such actions would be treated as criminal.

Bilateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa, both major African economies, have historically included strong ties but have been strained periodically by migration and xenophobia issues. Nigeria has highlighted the contributions of its skilled nationals in South Africa while calling for accountability in protecting foreign residents.

The compensation push involves verification of losses to present concrete claims. Officials indicate this will form the basis for diplomatic engagement aimed at resolution without escalation.

As repatriations continue, affected Nigerians are compiling records of abandoned assets. The process underscores ongoing challenges in regional migration, integration, and the protection of economic investments by African nationals across borders.

South African authorities have not yet issued detailed public responses to the specific compensation demands, but the matter is expected to feature prominently in forthcoming high-level discussions. Nigeria continues to monitor the situation for its remaining citizens while advancing documentation efforts.

This case reflects broader continental debates on migrant rights, host country responsibilities, and mechanisms for addressing losses from unrest targeting specific national groups.