South Africa has refused to compensate Nigerians who left the country during recent anti-migrant unrest, with South Africa's minister in the presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavweni saying only legally owned and registered property is entitled to protection under the law.
The comments came as Nigeria's acting high commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, said Nigeria was considering options to seek compensation for citizens who abandoned businesses and other properties as they returned home amid rising tensions.
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Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Ntshavweni rejected suggestions that the South African government should compensate for property left behind by people leaving the country.
He said legal properties are formally registered with the relevant authorities, while structures in informal settlements are illegal and not recognized by the state.
The minister advised expatriates who own property in South Africa to sell their properties through the country's property market rather than expecting compensation.
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The comment was criticized by Shehu Sani, a former Nigerian senator representing Kaduna Central, who questioned the government's position.
“This is from a senior government official, not some street thug,” Sani wrote on social media.
Ntshavweni defended her comments, insisting that she had been candid.
“I was not stammering. Any property acquired illegally will not be compensated,” she said.
The latest exchange escalates rising diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and South Africa following recent protests targeting undocumented migrants. Nigerian authorities have raised concerns over the safety of their citizens and damage to businesses and property, while South African authorities say immigration and property matters should be handled within the country's legal framework.
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Earlier, Ntshavweni had called on the Nigerian government to provide information about locations allegedly linked to drug-related activities and said such intelligence would assist South African authorities in carrying out investigations and law enforcement.
