Nigeria says it will seek compensation from South Africa for property and businesses left behind by Nigerian citizens who leave the country following recent protests and anti-migrant violence. Nigerian officials say they are documenting assets abandoned by people who return to or flee from South Africa. A foreign ministry spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, says the issue will be raised with South Africa “at the highest levels” through government-to-government discussions. Nigeria’s High Commissioner in South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, also indicates that records of businesses and properties left behind are being compiled as part of Nigeria’s case.
South Africa’s government disputes the compensation demand. Vanguard reports that South Africa rejects Nigeria’s request related to property abandoned by citizens who fled renewed xenophobic attacks. The difference between the two positions centers on whether South Africa should provide compensation for the losses associated with the displacement and the circumstances that lead to the abandonment of assets.
The issue is expected to be pursued through formal diplomatic channels between the two governments.
