Nigeria’s Federal Government says it will engage South African authorities to demand compensation for Nigerians who leave behind businesses and property when returning home. The government’s position follows renewed anti-immigrant tensions in South Africa, with a growing number of Nigerians preparing to evacuate and repatriate under Nigeria’s voluntary evacuation process.
Nigerian officials state that steps are underway to document the assets that returnees abandoned. The Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, says the government has asked evacuees to accurately record what they are leaving behind, including movable and immovable property and vehicles, so the information can be formally presented to South Africa. Ajayi also indicates the process will not end at repatriation, and that Nigeria will follow up with South African authorities to pursue possible compensation.
The sources also link the timing of the latest evacuation to planned anti-immigrant demonstrations in South Africa from June 30, with Nigeria intensifying efforts to support citizens who choose to return. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports that an Air Peace aircraft departed Nigeria and is expected to bring back another batch of evacuees.
