The South African government has turned down Nigeria’s request for compensation for citizens who fled the country during renewed xenophobic violence, abandoning businesses and properties in the process.

Nigeria had indicated it was compiling records of assets left behind by returnees as a basis for seeking restitution from South African authorities. However, Pretoria rejected the demand, signaling that it does not intend to provide financial redress for losses incurred during the unrest.

This decision highlights the ongoing strain in Nigeria–South Africa relations, particularly over the recurring issue of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals. While Nigeria has sought to protect its citizens and secure compensation, South Africa’s refusal underscores the complexity of assigning responsibility for damages arising from civil unrest.

The rejection is likely to fuel further debate about how African governments should respond to cross‑border migration tensions and the protection of their nationals abroad.