The Federal Government says it will engage the South African government to seek compensation for Nigerians who were forced to abandon businesses and properties amid renewed anti-immigrant tensions in the country.
Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Amb. Alexander Ajayi, disclosed this during a television interview while another batch of Nigerians prepared to return home under the Federal Government’s voluntary evacuation programme.
Ajayi explained that those being repatriated voluntarily opted to return ahead of planned anti-immigrant protests in South Africa.
He said the government had commenced documentation of businesses and other assets abandoned by returnees as part of efforts to pursue compensation through diplomatic engagement with the South African authorities.
According to him, the documentation exercise followed discussions with South African officials and would cover businesses, vehicles as well as movable and immovable properties left behind by affected Nigerians.
“In terms of the businesses, just three days ago, myself and the South African Deputy Minister were together and we discussed the issue.
“We have asked our people returning home to accurately document the businesses, cars and other properties they are leaving behind so that we can formally engage the South African government on possible compensation,” he said.
Ajayi said the government’s intervention would not end with the evacuation of citizens but would include systematic follow-up on information provided by returnees.
He added that Nigerian authorities would work with their South African counterparts to identify the locations of the affected businesses and properties in support of compensation claims.
“We will not allow the labour people have invested over the years to go to waste,” he said.
The latest evacuation exercise follows renewed anti-immigrant protests in South Africa, which have heightened concerns over the safety of foreign nationals, including Nigerians. South African authorities have appealed for peaceful demonstrations while increasing security in affected areas.
The Federal Government has continued to facilitate the voluntary return of Nigerians who wish to leave South Africa while pursuing diplomatic efforts to safeguard their interests and investments.
