Nigeria Begins Documentation of Assets Abandoned in South Africa as FG Moves to Pursue Compensation

Nigeria Begins Documentation of Assets Abandoned in South Africa as FG Moves to Pursue Compensation

Description: The Nigerian government has begun documenting businesses and properties abandoned by evacuated citizens in South Africa as diplomatic efforts intensify to seek possible compensation amid rising anti-immigration protests.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced the documentation of businesses, properties, and other valuable assets abandoned by Nigerians returning from South Africa under its voluntary evacuation programme, paving the way for possible compensation claims amid escalating anti-immigration protests.

The move comes as hundreds of Nigerians voluntarily left South Africa following growing fears that nationwide anti-immigration demonstrations could escalate into xenophobic attacks, threaten lives, and destroy businesses owned by foreign nationals.

FG Documents Businesses and Properties Left Behind

Nigeria's Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, revealed that the Federal Government has instructed all returning Nigerians to provide comprehensive records of every asset they were forced to abandon.

Speaking during an interview with Channels Television, Ajayi explained that affected citizens have been directed to accurately document:

- Businesses and commercial investments

- Shops and business premises

- Vehicles

- Residential properties

- Other movable and immovable assets

According to him, the documentation exercise is essential for establishing ownership and determining the value of investments that may become the subject of future compensation negotiations.

«"I have asked them before they left yesterday to document very accurately those things they were leaving behind in terms of businesses, in terms of even cars, movable and immovable properties," Ajayi stated.»

Nigeria Opens Diplomatic Talks with South Africa

Ajayi disclosed that discussions have already commenced between Nigerian and South African officials regarding the protection of Nigerians' investments.

He confirmed that meetings have taken place with South Africa's Deputy Minister of Finance as both countries explore possible solutions concerning abandoned assets.

Although the Federal Government has yet to announce the exact legal process through which compensation will be pursued, diplomatic engagement is expected to remain the primary channel for resolving the matter.

Anti-Immigration Protests Trigger Mass Departure

The evacuation follows widespread anti-immigration demonstrations organised by the self-styled "March and March" movement across South Africa.

The protests, which began on June 30, have intensified calls for the deportation of undocumented migrants, creating widespread anxiety among foreign nationals, including Nigerians.

Many Nigerians residing legally in South Africa reportedly opted to leave voluntarily, fearing that the demonstrations could degenerate into violence similar to previous xenophobic attacks that targeted African migrants.

335 Nigerians Successfully Evacuated

The Federal Government confirmed that 335 Nigerians have so far been evacuated under the voluntary repatriation programme.

Ajayi also cited government estimates indicating that approximately 500,000 Nigerians living in South Africa may be undocumented, although independent verification of the figure has not been provided.

International Community Closely Watching Developments

The growing unrest has attracted international attention.

The United States Mission to South Africa temporarily reduced operations at its diplomatic facilities in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban, citing security concerns linked to the ongoing protests.

Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed for calm, urging protesters to demonstrate peacefully while warning against acts of vigilantism and violence.

Will Nigeria Receive Compensation?

It remains uncertain whether the South African government will assume responsibility for privately owned assets abandoned during the evacuation.

However, Nigeria's decision to formally document affected businesses and properties strongly suggests that Abuja intends to seek diplomatic remedies and possible compensation for citizens whose investments may have been lost due to the crisis.

Officials say the documentation exercise will strengthen Nigeria's position in any future negotiations concerning the protection of its citizens' economic interests abroad.

As diplomatic discussions continue between both governments, more details are expected regarding possible compensation mechanisms and additional evacuation plans should the security situation deteriorate.

Conclusion

The Federal Government's proactive decision to record abandoned businesses and properties marks a significant step toward protecting Nigerians affected by South Africa's anti-immigration unrest. While compensation remains uncertain, the documentation exercise demonstrates Nigeria's commitment to defending the rights, investments, and livelihoods of its citizens overseas.

Further updates are expected as diplomatic negotiations progress.

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