Nigeria says it is seeking compensation from South Africa for businesses and property left behind by Nigerian citizens who flee the country after recent anti-migrant protests. According to reports citing Nigeria’s foreign ministry and diplomatic officials, Nigerian authorities are documenting the assets and other losses associated with returnees leaving South Africa. A foreign ministry spokesperson says the compensation issue will be discussed between the two governments at senior levels. Nigerian reporting also frames the request as based on records being compiled of properties and businesses abandoned during the period of unrest.
South Africa’s government rejects the compensation demand. Vanguard reports that South African authorities have dismissed Nigeria’s request, responding to Nigeria’s stated plan to provide documentation as part of a formal basis for compensation. The two sides therefore differ on whether Nigeria’s government should be compensated for property left by fleeing citizens. The dispute is expected to be raised through official government-to-government discussions.
