Nigeria Seeks Compensation for Abandoned Businesses in SA

The Nigerian government, represented by Alexand Ajayi of the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, announced plans to demand compensation for Nigerians who abandoned their businesses due to increasing xenophobic attacks in South Africa. During an interview, Ajayi disclosed that the government has begun documenting business assets left behind by Nigerians as part of a strategy to seek possible compensation from the South African government.

This initiative coincides with a recent evacuation exercise, which saw 271 Nigerians return to Lagos aboard an Air Peace flight on Tuesday. Many returnees, including Emmanuela, recounted their harrowing experiences, including threats and violence that forced them to leave their investments behind.

Ajayi rejected claims that Nigerians in South Africa are undocumented, asserting that they entered the country legally. The Nigerian government is committed to protecting the investments of its citizens and has warned against relocating to South Africa due to safety concerns.