South Africa Rules Out Compensation for Nigerians Who Abandoned Properties After Evacuation
The South African government has firmly ruled out any compensation for Nigerian nationals who left properties behind after being evacuated from the country during periods of xenophobic violence and unrest.
Speaking at a media briefing, South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, dismissed suggestions that the government should reimburse Nigerians for assets abandoned during previous evacuations. She stressed that Pretoria has no legal basis to compensate individuals for properties left behind, particularly where such assets were acquired illegally or are located in informal settlements.
Her comments followed remarks by Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, who revealed that the Nigerian government was exploring possible avenues to seek compensation for citizens who lost or abandoned their properties following their return from South Africa.
Responding to the proposal, Ntshavheni maintained that South Africa’s property ownership system clearly distinguishes between legally registered assets and illegal structures. According to her, all legitimate properties are formally documented with the relevant authorities, while buildings situated in informal settlements do not enjoy legal recognition under South African law.
She advised Nigerians and other foreign nationals with legally acquired properties to dispose of their assets through the country’s property market instead of expecting financial compensation from the government.
“People with legitimate properties should sell them in the property market,” the minister stated, insisting that the South African government cannot assume responsibility for abandoned private assets.
The minister’s remarks quickly sparked reactions, particularly from former Nigerian senator, who criticised the government’s position. In a social media post, Sani expressed surprise that such comments came from a senior government official rather than an individual outside government.
Responding to the criticism, Ntshavheni stood by her position, declaring that she had not misspoken. She reiterated that properties obtained illegally would never qualify for compensation under South African law.
Read alsoNigeria Seeks Compensation for Citizens Leaving South Africa Amid Anti-Migrant Tensions
Beyond the compensation debate, the minister also urged the Nigerian government to cooperate more closely with South African authorities by providing intelligence on locations allegedly linked to drug-related activities involving criminal networks. She said such information would strengthen law enforcement efforts to combat organised crime and improve public safety.
The latest diplomatic exchange adds to the long-standing tensions between Nigeria and South Africa over the treatment of Nigerian nationals living in the country. Relations between Africa’s two largest economies have experienced repeated strain following several waves of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
During the violence, businesses, homes and other properties belonging to migrants, including many Nigerians, were looted, vandalised and destroyed across several South African cities. The situation prompted the Nigerian government to organise a voluntary evacuation programme that brought hundreds of stranded citizens back home.
The attacks attracted widespread condemnation across the African continent, with Nigeria repeatedly calling on South Africa to provide greater protection for foreign nationals and their investments. In response, Pretoria pledged to strengthen security measures, prosecute perpetrators of xenophobic violence and work with Nigerian authorities through diplomatic channels to improve bilateral relations.
Despite these commitments, the issue of compensation for abandoned or destroyed properties remains unresolved, with South Africa making it clear that it will not provide financial reimbursement for assets left behind, particularly those deemed to have been acquired unlawfully or located outside the country’s formal property system.
