FG to Document Millions in Abandoned Businesses, Assets Left by Nigerians Returning From South Africa

By Queen Madaki

The Federal Government has begun documenting businesses and other assets abandoned by Nigerians returning from South Africa under its voluntary evacuation programme, as authorities prepare to seek compensation for affected citizens amid rising anti-immigration tensions.

The Bureau Journal reports that the move follows the evacuation of hundreds of Nigerians who opted to leave South Africa over fears that ongoing nationwide anti-immigration protests could disrupt businesses or escalate into xenophobic violence.

Nigeria Begins Documentation of Abandoned Assets

Speaking in an interview with Channels Television, Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, said the government’s response extends beyond evacuating citizens to protecting their investments.

According to him, Nigerians returning home have been directed to compile detailed records of businesses, vehicles, shops and other movable and immovable assets left behind in South Africa.

“I have asked them before they left yesterday to document very accurately those things they were leaving behind in terms of businesses, in terms of even cars, movable and immovable properties,” Ajayi said.

He explained that the documentation would provide evidence of investments made by affected Nigerians and could form the basis for future compensation claims.

Diplomatic Engagement Underway

Ajayi disclosed that discussions had already begun with South African authorities, including the country’s Deputy Minister of Finance, regarding the fate of assets belonging to Nigerian nationals.

Although the Federal Government has not announced the legal framework through which compensation would be pursued, the development suggests Abuja is preparing to raise the matter through diplomatic channels with the South African government.

Evacuation Follows Anti-Immigration Protests

The government’s intervention comes as nationwide anti-immigration demonstrations organised by the self-styled “March and March” movement continue across South Africa.

The protests, which began on June 30, have heightened concerns among foreign nationals after organisers called for the deportation of undocumented migrants, raising fears of possible xenophobic attacks.

According to Ajayi, many Nigerians residing legally in South Africa voluntarily joined the evacuation programme because of concerns that the protests could negatively affect their businesses and personal safety.

335 Nigerians Evacuated

The Federal Government has so far evacuated 335 Nigerians under its voluntary repatriation programme.

Ajayi also referenced government estimates suggesting that about 500,000 Nigerians living in South Africa are undocumented, although the figure has not been independently verified.

International Community Monitoring Situation

The demonstrations have also attracted international attention.

The United States Mission to South Africa temporarily reduced operations at its diplomatic facilities in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Pretoria, citing security concerns linked to the protests.

Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed for peaceful demonstrations and warned against acts of vigilantism.

Compensation Process Yet to Be Defined

It remains unclear whether South Africa will accept responsibility for privately owned assets abandoned by Nigerians during the evacuation.

However, the Federal Government’s decision to document the losses signals its intention to pursue diplomatic engagement aimed at protecting the economic interests of affected citizens.

As Nigeria News Today continues to monitor developments, The Bureau Journal understands that discussions between Nigerian and South African authorities are expected to continue as both countries seek a peaceful resolution to the concerns arising from the protests.

The Bureau Journal will provide updates as more information emerges on the evacuation programme and any compensation arrangements.