Full Breakdown
Nigeria Seeks Compensation for Assets Abandoned Amid South Africa’s Anti-Immigrant Protests
7/2/2026, 12:41:51 AM
Nigeria’s Compensation Initiative
Nigeria’s foreign ministry announced that it will pursue compensation from South Africa for businesses, vehicles and other property left behind by Nigerians who fled the country during recent anti-immigrant protests. Acting High Commissioner to South Africa Alexander Ajayi instructed returnees to document “very accurately” the assets they abandoned, a step he said will form the basis of any formal claim. The matter is slated for discussion “at the highest levels” between the two governments, according to spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
Anti-Immigrant Protests and Mass Departures
From 30 June, a coalition of groups—including the self-styled March and March movement and Operation Dudula—set a deadline for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa. Demonstrations erupted in Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria and other cities, with police and private security deployed to deter violence. While most marches remained peaceful, isolated incidents of looting, brick-throwing and gunfire were reported, prompting arrests of roughly 900 individuals for immigration offences and looting. President Cyril Ramaphosa met protest leaders on the eve of the deadline, urging peaceful protest and acknowledging the contribution of lawful foreign nationals to the economy.
Key Figures and Groups
- Alexander Ajayi – Acting High Commissioner, Nigeria to South Africa.
- Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa – Nigerian Foreign Ministry spokesperson.
- Cyril Ramaphosa – President of South Africa.
- Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma – Leader of anti-migrant group March and March.
- Oghodero Erejor Wilson – Nigerian trader displaced from Centurion.
- Nelson Mbewe – Malawian migrant returning home.
Data and Statistics
- Nigerian repatriations reported: >600 (BBC) vs 335 evacuated under a voluntary programme (Business Insider) vs 269 flown out on the eve of protests.
- ?25,000 other African nationals have been repatriated, including ?7,000 Malawians.
- South African police recorded ?50,000 migrant arrests since January for illegal status.
- Approximately 3 million documented foreign nationals reside in South Africa.
- Wilson estimates the value of goods left in his shop at 16,000 rand (? $975).
Official Statements & Responses
Nigeria’s officials stress that any compensation claim will be substantiated with verified documentation and pursued through diplomatic channels. Ajayi emphasized the need for precise records of “businesses, cars, movable and immovable properties.” South African authorities maintain that those repatriated were in the country illegally, a point Nigeria disputes. President Ramaphosa reiterated that lawful foreign nationals “work, study, raise families, invest in our economy and contribute positively to our society,” and warned that the right to protest does not permit intimidation or vandalism.
Criticism & Opposition
Anti-immigrant groups have called for the mass deportation of undocumented migrants, with Ngobese-Zuma pledging weekly protests for six months to “get rid of” those without papers. Operation Dudula members urged police to “push the police to arrest foreigners who are not legally in the country.” These groups argue that undocumented migrants strain public services and the labour market.
On-the-Ground Reports
Nigerian trader Oghodero Wilson, who lived in South Africa for nearly a decade, said he abandoned his clothing shop and home out of fear for his safety, leaving “everything…including clothes.” Malawian migrant Nelson Mbewe described being labeled “makwerekwere” and expressed resignation to return home despite hardship.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of Nigerians repatriated, ranging from 269 to over 600. No legal framework for compensation has been disclosed, and South Africa’s willingness to assume liability for private assets remains unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I left everything in my house including clothes.” — Oghodero Erejor Wilson, Nigerian trader
- “If South Africa government can compensate it, it will be nice, but I know they won't,” — Oghodero Erejor Wilson
- “They work, study, raise families, invest in our economy and contribute positively to our society.” — President Cyril Ramaphosa
- “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.” — Alexander Ajayi, Acting High Commissioner
What’s Next
Nigeria plans to compile the asset documentation and submit a formal compensation claim through diplomatic channels. Bilateral talks between Abuja and Pretoria are ongoing, while further repatriation flights are scheduled for the coming weeks. South Africa has not yet indicated whether it will entertain compensation demands, leaving the outcome of the dispute unresolved.
