05/07/2026
South Africa has ruled out compensation for Nigerians who left properties behind after being evacuated from the country.
The country said assets not legally acquired or located in informal settlements will not qualify for any form of reimbursement.
South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, restated the position, dismissing suggestions that Pretoria could compensate affected Nigerians for properties left behind during previous periods of unrest.
Her comments came after Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, said the Nigerian government was considering possible ways to seek compensation for citizens whose assets were lost or abandoned after their evacuation.
Speaking at a media briefing, Ntshavheni said South Africa had no basis for such compensation.
According to her, all legitimate properties in the country are properly registered with relevant authorities, while structures in informal settlements are not legally recognised.
She advised affected migrants who own legally acquired properties to sell them through South Africa’s property market instead of expecting compensation from the government.
People with legitimate properties should sell them in the property market,” she said, insisting that the government would not take responsibility for abandoned assets.
Her comments drew criticism from former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, who expressed surprise at the strong position.
“This is from a SENIOR Government official and NOT a street actor,” Sani wrote in a reaction posted on social media.
Ntshavheni, however, stood by her position.
“I didn’t stutter. Any form of property obtained outside the law won’t be compensated for,” she responded.
The minister also renewed South Africa’s call on the Nigerian government to provide information on locations allegedly being used for substance-related activities, saying such information would help law enforcement agencies tackle organised unlawful activity.
The latest exchange adds another chapter to the strained relations between Nigeria and South Africa over the treatment of Nigerian nationals.
Relations between both countries came under serious pressure after the recent wave of anti-foreign incidents.
Businesses and properties linked to foreign nationals, including Nigerians, were damaged or lost in several South African cities.
The incidents led Nigeria to evacuate hundreds of its citizens through a government-assisted voluntary return programme.
The incidents drew widespread concern across Africa, with Nigeria demanding stronger protection for its citizens and their investments in South Africa.
Pretoria later promised to strengthen security and hold those responsible accountable, while both countries created diplomatic channels aimed at improving relations and addressing repeated concerns over migration, unlawful activity and the safety of foreign nationals.
