Nigeria begins assessing the losses suffered by its citizens in South Africa in preparation for demanding compensation.
Written by: Ayman Ragab
Nigeria has begun assessing the losses of its citizens who lost property as a result of the recent attacks in South Africa, as President Bola Tinubu's administration prepares to file formal compensation claims, in addition to intensifying diplomatic efforts to reduce violence.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sola Enekanolaye said Abuja had begun collecting data to determine the extent of the losses suffered by Nigerians following a wave of xenophobic attacks targeting migrants from African countries.
He added: “We have designed a form for all Nigerians who may have lost property in South Africa to fill out. We want to rely on the data and the extent of the losses they have suffered before submitting our compensation claims.”
He explained that those affected will be required to complete official forms documenting the value of the property that was destroyed or stolen, enabling the government to submit compensation claims based on documented evidence to the Pretoria authorities.
Enekanolayi stressed that Nigeria prefers to reach a settlement through diplomatic channels, but will reserve other options if these efforts do not bear fruit, emphasizing that all Nigerians, regardless of their status as migrants, deserve protection under the law.
These developments come amid renewed xenophobic violence in South Africa, where migrants from African countries are frequently attacked for allegedly competing for jobs, being linked to crime, and putting pressure on public services.
These tensions have led to repeated waves of displacement, destruction of property and businesses, and clashes between local groups and migrant communities.
Nigeria has evacuated about 1,400 of its citizens since the recent events.
On Tuesday, Enekanolayi briefed President Bola Tinubu on the latest developments, following his meeting with the special envoy of South African Foreign Minister, President Cyril Ramaphosa, Ronald Lamola.
He noted that South Africa pledged to activate the early warning mechanism and strengthen the work of the bilateral committee between Nigeria and South Africa to help prevent further attacks.
