The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to engage the South African government to seek financial compensation for Nigerians who have been forced to abandon their homes, businesses, and properties amid rising anti-immigrant hostilities. This development was disclosed by Alexander Ajayi, the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, during a recent media appearance.
As a fresh cohort of voluntary returnees arrives in Lagos, the diplomatic mission has initiated steps to ensure that those fleeing do not lose their hard-earned livelihoods. The evacuation comes ahead of planned anti-immigrant protests scheduled to begin on June 30.
Systematic Tracking of Abandoned Properties
According to Ajayi, the Nigerian government has advised all returning citizens to carefully and accurately document the assets they are leaving behind. These assets include real estate, vehicles, retail shops, and other commercial enterprises.
The High Commissioner revealed that he has already held preliminary discussions with South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Finance to establish a framework for restitution. “We are going to systematically follow up on the information given to us,” Ajayi explained. “We will work with the South African government to verify the exact locations of these businesses and present them for possible compensation. We will not allow the years of labor our people invested to go down the drain.”
Addressing the ‘Undocumented Migrants’ Narrative
Ajayi also strongly rejected claims that the majority of Nigerians residing in South Africa are undocumented or illegal immigrants. He clarified that most affected individuals migrated to the country legally but fell victim to severe administrative delays within the South African Home Office.
He pointed out that a massive backlog in visa and permit renewals over the past three to four years has left thousands of foreign nationals in legal limbo. “Because of these systemic issues, many nationals were caught in this web of delay,” Ajayi noted, emphasizing that the immigrants should not be penalized for administrative failures that have dragged on for years.
Ongoing Repatriation Efforts
The voluntary evacuation exercise remains active, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinating flights to bring Nigerians back home safely. An Air Peace aircraft, chartered for the mission, has been actively transporting citizens who expressed a desire to leave before the next wave of civil unrest begins.