Nigeria seeks compensation for citizens displaced from South Africa; Tinubu eyes diaspora for healthcare boost

Nigeria should demand compensation for its citizens who were forced to abandon their livelihoods and property in South Africa, according to Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM). Speaking at the 2026 National Diaspora Day Celebration in Abuja, Dabiri-Erewa described the experiences of affected Nigerians as "pathetic" and stressed that their plight should not be ignored.

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That South Africa thing is pathetic, really. Nigeria should not look the other way. We must demand compensation for Nigerians who have been roughly treated and who had to leave everything.

"They had jobs. They left everything they ever owned, and they’re back home and I know that their lives will be better as they’re back in Nigeria," she stated, expressing hope for their reintegration. Dabiri-Erewa also revealed that NiDCOM's legal department, in conjunction with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Consular Department, has handled over 1,200 cases involving detention, abuse, and maltreatment of Nigerians abroad, many of which have been resolved through diplomatic and legal channels.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his administration's commitment to utilizing the skills of Nigerian professionals in the diaspora to address the nation's healthcare challenges. Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu acknowledged the persistent issues of inadequate infrastructure, shortages of medical personnel, research gaps, and policy inconsistencies within the healthcare system. He asserted that these challenges are surmountable with the collective strength of Nigerians abroad.

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They had jobs. They left everything they ever owned, and they’re back home and I know that their lives will be better as they’re back in Nigeria.

The President outlined plans to institutionalize the Diaspora Health Impact Initiative, expand diaspora medical missions, foster partnerships between diaspora professionals and Nigerian teaching hospitals, promote telemedicine, encourage diaspora-led investments in healthcare facilities, and offer incentives for medical professionals to return home. He urged Nigerians in the diaspora to continue contributing to national development, emphasizing the critical role of their expertise.

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We know the challenges our healthcare system faces. Inadequate infrastructure in many communities, shortages of skilled medical personnel, gaps in research, innovation and specialised care, policy inconsistency, and so on. These challenges are not insurmountable. With the collective strength of our diaspora, we can transform them into opportunities. Our administration is determined to build bridges between diaspora expertise and local institutions.