FG issues claims forms to Nigerians affected by South Africa attacks

The Nigerian Federal Government is actively working to document losses incurred by its citizens during recent attacks in South Africa, preparing to formally table compensation claims in ongoing diplomatic discussions. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, announced that forms are being issued to Nigerians who lost property, emphasizing the need for data-driven claims to guide negotiations with the South African government.

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In preparation for us lodging our claims, we have designed a form to be filled by all Nigerians who may have lost property in South Africa.

"In preparation for us lodging our claims, we have designed a form to be filled by all Nigerians who may have lost property in South Africa," Enikanolaiye stated after briefing President Bola Tinubu on a meeting with South Africa’s special envoy. He added, "We want to be able to proceed on the basis of data, on the basis of the quantum of losses they have suffered, and then we go back, because our engagement with South Africa is ongoing."

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We want to be able to proceed on the basis of data, on the basis of the quantum of losses they have suffered, and then we go back, because our engagement with South Africa is ongoing. It is not a one-off event.

President Tinubu has affirmed the framing of the violence as 'Afrophobic,' distinguishing it from 'xenophobic' attacks that typically target all foreign nationals. This perspective emphasizes that the violence is specifically directed at Black Africans, excluding white immigrants. "The President agreed with me that it is Afrophobic, and that Africa must unite in ensuring that we put an end to this spiral of violence targeted at Africans in South Africa," the minister confirmed. Tinubu intends to leverage his personal relationship with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to help halt this pattern of violence.

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The President agreed with me that it is Afrophobic, and that Africa must unite in ensuring that we put an end to this spiral of violence targeted at Africans in South Africa.

So far, approximately 1,490 Nigerians have been evacuated from South Africa, with some evacuation batches funded by private individuals. The government is exploring alternative funding sources to assist the significant number of Nigerians who still wish to return home. Diplomatic engagement continues with South Africa to address the ongoing violence and seek redress for affected Nigerians.

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I told him that is something we would like to leverage on to ensure that we put a stop to this ogre of violence, death and destruction of our nationals in South Africa.