Nigeria seeks compensation for property abandoned by citizens fleeing South Africa

Nigeria has decided to pursue compensation claims against South Africa for the property, both movable and immovable, abandoned by its nationals who fled the country amid anti‑migrant demonstrations in late June.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa told the BBC that the issue will be handled at the highest diplomatic level between the two governments.

Acting High Commissioner to South Africa Alexander Ajayi said on local television that the Nigerian government has begun cataloguing businesses, homes, cars and other assets left behind by its citizens.

A Nigerian trader, Oghodero Erejor Wilson, 32, shared that he had lived in South Africa for nearly a decade and had to abandon his clothing business and home because he feared for his safety.

Wilson told the BBC that he lost “everything because of fear,” noting that he left clothes and other personal possessions in his abandoned shop.

He is among the hundreds of Nigerians still awaiting evacuation; more than 600 have already been repatriated in recent weeks.

South African authorities claim that those flown home were illegal residents, a claim Nigeria disputes, and officials are disputing the basis for the assets left behind.

Approximately 25,000 nationals of other African countries have fled South Africa following a wave of protests demanding action against illegal migration.

Anti‑migrant groups set a deadline of 30 June for undocumented foreigners to leave and organised marches that were largely peaceful, though isolated incidents of violence were reported.

Police in South Africa report that about 900 people were arrested, mainly for immigration‑related offences and looting.

The BBC has asked the South African government for comments on Nigeria’s compensation request, while Nigeria stresses it intends to verify all claims before making any formal demand.