The Federal Government has commenced efforts to secure compensation for Nigerians who suffered losses during the recent attacks in South Africa, while intensifying diplomatic engagements aimed at preventing a recurrence of the violence.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, disclosed this after briefing President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday. The briefing followed the President’s directive to receive South Africa’s Special Envoy and Foreign Minister, Ronald Lamola, as both countries work to address growing concerns over the attacks.
According to the minister, discussions with South African authorities have yielded commitments to strengthen bilateral cooperation, including the activation of an early warning mechanism and the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission to improve communication and prevent future incidents.
Enikanolaiye also revealed that approximately 1,490 Nigerians have been evacuated from South Africa since the attacks began. While commending the government’s intervention, he noted that two evacuation flights were financed by private individuals, describing the support as a demonstration of national solidarity.
He added that although many Nigerians had returned home safely, some citizens remained willing to leave South Africa, prompting the government to explore additional funding options for further evacuation operations.
Government Begins Compensation Process
As part of efforts to seek redress for victims, the Federal Government has introduced a data collection process for Nigerians whose homes, businesses or other properties were destroyed during the attacks.
“We have designed a form to be filled by all Nigerians who may have lost property in South Africa. We want to proceed on the basis of data and the quantum of losses they have suffered before tabling our claims,” the minister said.
The government said the documentation exercise would provide a credible basis for negotiations with South African authorities over compensation for affected citizens.
Tinubu Calls Attacks ‘Afrophobic’
Enikanolaiye disclosed that President Tinubu described the attacks as “Afrophobic” rather than simply xenophobic, stressing that violence targeting fellow Africans requires a united continental response.
“The President agreed that Africa must come together to put an end to this spiral of violence,” he said.
He added that Tinubu’s cordial relationship with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa would be leveraged to strengthen diplomatic engagement and encourage lasting solutions to the crisis.
Diplomacy Remains Preferred Option
While reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to dialogue, the minister maintained that the country was not without alternatives if diplomatic efforts failed to produce meaningful outcomes.
“Nigeria has options. We are not helpless in this situation. We would prefer diplomacy and negotiations until we arrive at a mutually acceptable outcome,” he said.
Enikanolaiye also emphasized that every Nigerian, irrespective of immigration status, deserves protection under the law, insisting that no individual should be subjected to violence or extrajudicial actions.
The Federal Government says it will continue working with South African authorities to protect Nigerian citizens, pursue justice for victims, and strengthen bilateral mechanisms aimed at preventing future attacks.igeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission to improve communication and prevent future incidents.