FG pursues compensation over South Africa attacks

Nigeria is actively pursuing compensation for its citizens who suffered losses during recent attacks in South Africa, while simultaneously bolstering diplomatic efforts to prevent recurrence. Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, stated that the government briefed President Bola Tinubu on the situation following a directive to receive South Africa's special envoy and foreign minister.

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I thanked him for making the resources available. I also told him that two of the evacuation batches were funded by private individuals.

Enikanolaiye detailed the commitments secured from South Africa, including the activation of an early warning mechanism and the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission. He also reported on the successful evacuation of about 1,490 Nigerians, noting that some private individuals funded portions of these operations. The minister indicated that while many citizens have returned, the government is exploring additional funding to support further evacuations for those still wishing to leave.

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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.

President Tinubu characterized the attacks as "Afrophobic" rather than solely xenophobic, calling for a united African front to combat this escalating violence. He stressed that Nigeria would leverage its cordial relationship with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to enhance diplomatic engagement aimed at ending such attacks. The government has initiated a data collection process for Nigerians who lost property, requiring them to fill out forms detailing their losses before tabling claims.

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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.

Enikanolaiye affirmed that Nigeria is prepared to negotiate with South Africa but retains other options if diplomatic efforts falter. He emphasized that all Nigerians, regardless of their immigration status, deserve legal protection, stating, "Whether they are regular or irregular, they are human beings. Criminals also have a right to life. You cannot hound and kill them because they are criminals."

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Nigeria has options. We are not helpless in this situation. We would prefer diplomacy and negotiations until we arrive at a mutually acceptable outcome.