Xenophobic attacks: FG mulls compensation claims for Nigerian businesses in South Africa

The Federal Government says it is considering diplomatic and economic measures against South Africa over the continued attacks and intimidation of Nigerians, while compiling records of businesses affected to pursue compensation for victims.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed this in an interview with the Voice of Nigeria, saying the government was, for now, prioritising diplomacy and African solidarity over immediate retaliatory measures.

He said Nigerians forced to abandon their businesses because of the unrest were being encouraged to register with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria to enable the government to document their losses.

“We are compiling data on all Nigerian-owned businesses in South Africa. Those leaving their businesses and returning to Nigeria are registering with the Mission in Pretoria. We want to have those details so that we can pursue the necessary compensation from the South African Government,” Ebienfa said.

He said the Federal Government had continued to engage South African authorities, reminding them of their obligation under international law to protect the lives and property of foreign nationals residing in the country.

“We are advising Nigerians to remain law-abiding while reminding the South African authorities that it is their responsibility to protect every foreign national residing in South Africa.

“We have been given assurances, and we want those assurances to translate into tangible results,” he said.

On calls for Nigeria to retaliate by targeting South African businesses operating in the country, the ministry’s spokesman said the government was carefully evaluating the implications of such action.

According to him, many South African firms operating in Nigeria are publicly quoted companies in which Nigerians own shares and receive dividends.

“Most of the South African businesses in Nigeria are incorporated companies quoted on the stock exchange. Nigerians own shares in them and receive dividends. They also generate revenue within the Nigerian economy,” he said.

He cited telecommunications giant MTN as an example, warning that shutting down major South African investments could negatively affect millions of Nigerians.

“Take MTN, for example. If we shut down MTN today, do we have enough Nigerian-owned network operators that can immediately fill that gap? It is not that we lack the capacity to take reciprocal action, but we are weighing the options,” he said.

Ebienfa said Nigeria remained committed to African unity and regional integration, stressing that any response must take into account its potential impact on Nigerians and the wider economy.

“Nigeria believes in African unity and the promotion of African development. We do not want to take actions that will be detrimental to a large number of our citizens. However, we are considering all available options,” he said.

He, however, warned that the government could activate reciprocal measures if the situation deteriorated further.

“If the situation in South Africa escalates, we may have no option but to activate commensurate reciprocal measures. But for now, we strongly believe diplomacy should resolve the issue rather than confrontation,” he said.

Ebienfa explained that any decision to impose retaliatory measures would require the approval of both the Executive and the National Assembly.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will only implement what the government decides. Our role is to monitor the situation, make recommendations and allow the government to take the lead in making the final decision,” he said.

He added that any comprehensive reciprocal action would be a collective decision of government rather than that of the ministry alone.

The Federal Government has been engaging South African authorities following renewed attacks and intimidation of Nigerians, while also facilitating the return of citizens who wish to leave the country.