Nigeria Aims to Recoup Abandoned Assets from Returnees in South Africa ### DATELINE: Johannesburg, South Africa – June 30, 2026 ### LEAD The Nigerian Federal Government has announced its intention to seek compensation for businesses and investments abandoned by Nigerians returning from South Africa. This decision comes in the wake of a surge in anti-immigration tensions in South Africa, which led to a series of xenophobic attacks and prompted the Nigerian government to initiate a voluntary evacuation program for its citizens. ### NUT GRAF: The announcement was made by the Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.
The government has commenced the process of compiling records of businesses, vehicles, and other properties left behind by returnees, with the documentation set to underpin negotiations with South African authorities for potential compensation. ### BODY: Johannesburg, South Africa – In a move that signals a tougher diplomatic stance, the Federal Government of Nigeria has declared its intention to reclaim assets abandoned by Nigerians who have returned from South Africa amidst rising xenophobia.
The Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, confirmed the government’s position during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.
The situation has been exacerbated by a series of violent attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, leading to a voluntary evacuation program that has seen hundreds of Nigerians repatriated to Nigeria.
The government has emphasized the need to protect the interests of its citizens who have lost assets in South Africa, including businesses, vehicles, and other properties.
In an effort to secure compensation, the Nigerian government has initiated the documentation of the abandoned assets.
This process involves gathering detailed records of the businesses, vehicles, and other movable and immovable properties left behind by the returnees.
According to Ajayi, the documentation will serve as the basis for discussions with South African authorities regarding potential compensation.
The Federal Government has also secured the first tranche of a $5 billion financing deal with Abu Dhabi, drawing the first $1.
5 billion to support the compensation process. This financial backing is seen as a crucial step in the government’s efforts to secure fair compensation for its citizens.
The South African perspective on the issue remains unclear, but the context suggests that there may be underlying tensions and anti — immigrant sentiments within the South African population.
The Nigerian government’s decision to seek compensation for its citizens is likely to be met with a mix of responses, ranging from diplomatic negotiations to potential legal challenges. ### KICKER: As the situation unfolds, The success of this initiative will not only depend on the willingness of South African authorities to engage in negotiations but also on the effectiveness of the documentation process and the diplomatic efforts of the Nigerian government. ### The Guardian (guardian.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
—
This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africa.businessinsider
Source: Solomon Ekanem
