 |
| South Africa Anti-immigration protesters. Photo: BBC |
The Federal Government has announced plans to seek compensation from the South African government for businesses and properties abandoned by Nigerians who voluntarily returned home amid rising anti-immigration tensions.
Naija Brain reports that Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television.
Ajayi said the Nigerian government has begun documenting businesses, vehicles, and other assets left behind by returnees as part of efforts to pursue compensation from South African authorities.
The move comes amid renewed anti-immigration protests in South Africa, where some groups have accused foreign nationals of taking jobs meant for citizens. Campaigners had also set an unofficial June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country.
According to Ajayi, discussions on the matter have already started with South African officials.
"Just three days ago, myself and the South African Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs were together, and we discussed this issue," he said.
"We agreed that our people returning to Nigeria should begin documenting everything they are leaving behind, including businesses, cars, and both movable and immovable properties."
He explained that the information gathered would form the basis of formal engagements with the South African government.
"The next step is to present this information to the South African government. Our responsibility does not end with evacuating our citizens. We will systematically follow up on every case brought to our attention," Ajayi added.
He urged all returnees to provide accurate details of their abandoned assets, stressing that the government would work with South African authorities to verify the locations of affected businesses and properties before seeking compensation.
"We will not allow the hard work and investments Nigerians have built over the years to be lost or taken over without due process," he said.
Ajayi also clarified that those returning to Nigeria did so voluntarily ahead of the planned anti-immigration protests, adding that many Nigerians living in South Africa lack proper documentation.
Meanwhile, another batch of Nigerians evacuated from Johannesburg arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Tuesday under the Federal Government's voluntary repatriation programme.
The latest group follows the return of 258 Nigerians on June 11 and another 66 on June 24 as the government continues to assist citizens who have chosen to leave South Africa.