FG to seek compensation for Nigerians forced to abandon businesses in South Africa

FG to seek compensation for Nigerians forced to abandon businesses in South Africa

The Nigerian government plans to engage the South African government to seek compensation for Nigerians who were forced to abandon businesses and properties amid ongoing anti-immigrant protests in the country.

The Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi disclosed this on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.

He said the Nigerians being repatriated voluntarily opted to return home ahead of the latest planned anti-immigrant protests, and that the Federal Government has begun documenting businesses and properties abandoned by returnees in preparation for compensation talks with South African authorities.

Ajayi said discussions with South African officials on the compensation issue are already underway, with returning Nigerians now being asked to formally document what they are leaving behind.

Ajayi stressed that the repatriation effort would not end with simply bringing Nigerians home.

Ajayi pushed back on claims that most Nigerians in South Africa are undocumented, arguing that the majority migrated to the country through legal channels.

Nairametrics earlier reported that dozens of Nigerians in South Africa have sought shelter at the Nigerian High Commission amid fears of possible xenophobic attacks linked to planned anti-immigrant protests, with many still stranded despite the Federal Government’s ongoing evacuation efforts.

The situation was highlighted in a video shared by News Central on Monday, showing a large number of Nigerians gathered at the embassy as uncertainty persisted over the timing and scope of the latest evacuation exercise.

According to the report, women and children among those seeking refuge at the mission were given priority to remain within the premises overnight.