The South African government has rejected Nigeria’s request for compensation for citizens who fled the country following recent xenophobic attacks.
Nigeria had begun compiling records of businesses and properties abandoned by its citizens, with plans to seek compensation from South African authorities. Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, confirmed earlier this week that the Federal Government was documenting losses to support possible negotiations.
However, South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, dismissed the request during a press briefing on Friday, stating that the government would not compensate individuals for properties left behind.
Ntshavheni explained that legally owned properties can be sold through the formal property market, while structures in informal settlements are not recognized under the law.
She added that property owners who left the country retain the right to dispose of legally registered assets but insisted that no government compensation would be provided.
The minister also announced new measures aimed at preventing the re-establishment of informal settlements after demolition.
The dispute comes amid renewed xenophobic violence in South Africa, which has forced many African migrants, including Nigerians, to leave over safety concerns.
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