The Federal Government of Nigeria says it will engage the South African government to seek compensation for Nigerians who were forced to abandon their businesses and properties amid recent anti-immigrant protests.
Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, disclosed this during a television interview while addressing the ongoing voluntary evacuation of Nigerians from the country.
Ajayi explained that those being repatriated are Nigerians who voluntarily chose to return home ahead of the latest anti-immigrant protests.
He revealed that the Nigerian government has begun documenting businesses and other assets left behind by returnees as part of efforts to pursue possible compensation through diplomatic engagement with the South African authorities.
“In terms of the businesses, just three days ago, myself and the South African Deputy Minister of Finance were together and we discussed this issue,” Ajayi said.
“I have asked those returning to accurately document everything they are leaving behind, including businesses, vehicles, and both movable and immovable property. Once we have that information, we will engage the South African government. That is the next step we are going to take.”
According to the envoy, the government’s intervention will go beyond evacuating affected citizens, as officials intend to systematically verify claims and seek appropriate redress.
“This repatriation will not end with simply bringing people back to Nigeria,” he said. “We will carefully follow up on the information provided. That is why I have urged them to be as accurate as possible because we will work with the South African government to identify the exact locations of the businesses, shops, and properties and present them for possible compensation.”
Ajayi added that the Federal Government is determined to ensure that Nigerians do not lose investments they spent years building.
“We will not allow the labour people have invested over the years to simply go to waste,” he said.
The comments come as the Nigerian government continues its voluntary evacuation programme for citizens returning from South Africa following heightened concerns over anti-immigrant demonstrations.