The South African government has rejected Nigeria’s request for compensation for businesses and properties abandoned by Nigerians fleeing recent xenophobic violence, insisting that compensation cannot be paid for assets that were not legally registered and challenging Nigeria to provide evidence for some of its claims.
South Africa has turned down Nigeria’s request for compensation for citizens who lost businesses and properties while fleeing the latest wave of anti-immigrant protests and xenophobic attacks. The rejection comes days after the Nigerian government announced plans to seek compensation for affected citizens and intensified evacuation efforts for those wishing to return home.
Speaking during a media briefing in Pretoria, South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said compensation could only be considered for assets that are legally documented under South African law.
She maintained that South Africa could not compensate individuals for businesses or properties whose ownership could not be legally established.
The minister also urged Nigerian authorities to cooperate with South African security agencies by providing information on criminal networks where evidence exists, stressing that law enforcement would act against anyone found violating the country’s laws regardless of nationality.
The dispute follows Nigeria’s recent announcement that it would seek compensation for citizens forced to abandon businesses and properties during renewed anti-immigrant protests in South Africa.
The Federal Government has already evacuated hundreds of Nigerians who opted to return home, while assuring those who remain in South Africa that diplomatic efforts are ongoing to safeguard their welfare and property.
The latest unrest has renewed longstanding concerns over xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, an issue that has periodically strained diplomatic relations between Africa’s two largest economies.
Despite rejecting Nigeria’s compensation request, South African authorities reiterated their commitment to enforcing the law, protecting lawful residents and maintaining public order.
On the Nigerian side, officials have indicated that diplomatic engagement with Pretoria will continue while evacuation, consular support and discussions over the losses suffered by affected Nigerians remain ongoing.
The compensation disagreement marks another chapter in the complex relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, which has repeatedly been tested by xenophobic attacks in recent years. As both governments continue diplomatic engagement, attention is expected to focus on the safety of Nigerians still living in South Africa and efforts to prevent further violence against foreign nationals.