Nigeria Demands Compensation for Citizens Fleeing South Africa

The Nigerian government has announced plans to engage in discussions with the South African government to secure compensation for Nigerian citizens who were forced to abandon their businesses and properties due to anti-immigrant protests. According to Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, the government has started documenting the properties and businesses left behind by returnees to facilitate the pursuit of compensation. Ajayi revealed this information during a television broadcast, as another batch of Nigerians prepared to return home under the Federal Government's voluntary evacuation programme. The returnees are individuals who opted to return to Nigeria voluntarily, ahead of the latest planned anti-immigrant protests. Ajayi clarified that the government's efforts extend beyond the physical evacuation of citizens, as they aim to systematically follow up on the information provided by returnees to work with the South African government in securing compensation. He emphasized the importance of accurate documentation, stating that returnees should provide detailed information about the properties and businesses they left behind, including their locations. The High Commissioner noted that he had recently discussed the issue with the South African Deputy Minister of Finance, and they agreed to work together to address the concerns of Nigerian citizens. Ajayi stated, 'We can now take it up with the South African government. That is the next step we are going to take.' He further explained that the repatriation process will not end with the evacuation of citizens, but will involve a systematic follow-up on the information provided to secure compensation for the affected individuals.