South Africa has ruled out any compensation for Nigerians who left properties behind after being evacuated from the country.

The country insisted that assets acquired illegally or located in informal settlements will not qualify for any form of reimbursement.

The position was reaffirmed by South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who dismissed suggestions that Pretoria could compensate affected Nigerians for properties abandoned during previous episodes of unrest.

Her remarks came after Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, disclosed that the Nigerian government was considering possible avenues of compensation for citizens whose assets were lost or abandoned following their evacuation.

Responding to the proposal at a media briefing, Ntshavheni maintained that South Africa had no basis for such compensation.

According to her, all legitimate properties in the country are formally registered with the relevant authorities, while structures in informal settlements are illegal and therefore not recognised under the law.

She advised affected migrants who own legally acquired properties to dispose of them through South Africa’s property market instead of expecting compensation from the government.

“People with legitimate properties should sell them in the property market,” she said, maintaining that the government would not assume responsibility for abandoned assets.

The minister’s comments triggered criticism from former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, who expressed surprise at the hardline position.

“This is from a SENIOR Government official and NOT a thug from the streets,” Sani wrote in a reaction posted on social media.

Ntshavheni, however, remained unyielding.

“I didn’t stutter. Any form of property obtained illegally won’t be compensated for,” she responded.

The minister also renewed South Africa’s call on the Nigerian government to provide information on locations allegedly being used for drug-related activities, saying such intelligence would assist law enforcement agencies in tackling organised crime.

The latest exchange adds another chapter to the strained relations between Nigeria and South Africa over the treatment of Nigerian nationals.

Relations between both countries came under severe pressure after the recent wave of xenophobic attacks.

Businesses and properties linked to foreign nationals, including Nigerians, were looted, vandalised and destroyed in several South African cities.

The violence prompted Nigeria to evacuate hundreds of its citizens through a government-assisted voluntary return programme.

The attacks drew widespread condemnation across Africa, with Nigeria demanding stronger protection for its citizens and their investments in South Africa.

Pretoria subsequently pledged to strengthen security and prosecute those responsible, while both countries established diplomatic mechanisms aimed at improving bilateral relations and addressing recurring concerns over migration, crime and the safety of foreign nationals.

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