South Africa Rejects Compensation for Nigerians Who Left Properties Behind
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
The South African government has said it will not compensate Nigerian citizens who abandoned properties while leaving the country during periods of unrest.
Speaking at a media briefing, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni stated that the government has no legal obligation to reimburse owners of abandoned assets, particularly where the properties were acquired unlawfully or are located in informal settlements.
According to her, legally owned properties in South Africa are properly registered and can be sold through the country's property market. She advised affected Nigerians with valid ownership documents to dispose of their properties through legal channels rather than expect financial compensation from the government.
Her comments followed remarks by Temitope Ajayi, who revealed that the Nigerian government is exploring possible compensation options for citizens who lost or abandoned homes and businesses after returning from South Africa.
Reacting to the South African government's position, former Nigerian senator Shehu Sani criticised the decision, expressing concern over what he described as a firm stance by a senior government official.
In response, Ntshavheni maintained that her position remained unchanged, stressing that properties obtained illegally would not qualify for compensation under South African law.
She also urged the Nigerian government to cooperate with South African authorities by sharing intelligence on suspected criminal activities, including locations allegedly linked to drug-related operations, to support ongoing law enforcement efforts.
The issue comes amid renewed scrutiny of relations between Nigeria and South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks that targeted foreign nationals. During the violence, businesses and properties belonging to Nigerians and other migrants were looted, vandalised, or destroyed, prompting the Nigerian government to evacuate hundreds of its citizens through a voluntary return programme.
Although both countries have since strengthened diplomatic engagement and pledged closer cooperation on migration, security, and the protection of foreign nationals, compensation for abandoned Nigerian-owned properties remains a point of disagreement.
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