Nigeria has formally requested compensation from South Africa for properties abandoned by Nigerian citizens fleeing attacks on foreign-owned businesses, escalating a diplomatic dispute between Africa’s two largest economies.
The Nigerian government, in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, demanded restitution for assets left behind during what it described as "xenophobic violence" targeting Nigerian nationals. The call follows a series of attacks in Johannesburg and Pretoria in recent weeks, which saw shops looted and homes vandalised.
"These properties were forcibly abandoned as Nigerian citizens fled for their lives," the statement read. "South Africa bears responsibility for ensuring the safety of foreign nationals and must compensate for losses incurred."
South African authorities have yet to respond formally to the demand. The country’s police minister, Bheki Cele, earlier condemned the attacks and announced arrests but stopped short of acknowledging state liability.
The dispute threatens to strain bilateral relations already under pressure from trade imbalances and mutual allegations of harassment. Nigeria recalled its high commissioner to South Africa in 2019 after similar violence, and has periodically raised concerns about the treatment of its diaspora.
Analysts say the compensation demand marks a hardening of Nigeria’s position. "This is a significant escalation," said Adebayo Olukoshi, a political analyst at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs. "Nigeria is not just condemning the attacks; it is seeking formal redress, which could set a precedent for how African nations handle cross-border grievances."
Abuja’s move also reflects domestic political pressures, with President Bola Tinubu facing criticism over his handling of the crisis. Opposition figures have accused him of being too passive, while social media campaigns have amplified calls for action.
The attacks have drawn widespread condemnation from the African Union and global rights groups. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urged South Africa to protect foreigners and hold perpetrators accountable.
Nigeria’s demand includes compensation for over 200 abandoned businesses, according to preliminary estimates. The government is compiling a comprehensive inventory of affected properties and expects South Africa to respond within 30 days.
South Africa’s foreign ministry would not comment on the demand, but a source close to the department said Pretoria viewed it as "unreasonable" and unlikely to be met.
As the dispute deepens, some analysts warn of economic repercussions. South Africa is Nigeria’s largest trading partner in Africa, with bilateral trade exceeding $6 billion annually. Retaliatory measures could disrupt supply chains and hurt both economies.
For now, the focus remains on diplomacy. Nigeria has requested an urgent meeting of the joint commission between the two countries, which last convened in 2022. The outcome of that meeting will determine whether the demand for compensation becomes a test of African solidarity — or a fracture in relations.
