Nigeria Pursues Compensation as South Africa Commits to Prosecuting Attack Suspects

Nigeria and South Africa have agreed to work toward easing diplomatic tensions following recent attacks on Nigerian nationals and other foreign Africans in parts of South Africa with both governments committing to closer cooperation on justice, security and the protection of affected communities.

The understanding was reached during bilateral discussions in Abuja between Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, and South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola.

Speaking after the meeting, Nigerian officials said Pretoria had assured Abuja that individuals linked to the attacks would face prosecution under South African law, while Nigeria has begun compiling details of property losses and other damages suffered by its citizens as part of efforts to pursue compensation.

The talks followed weeks of renewed violence targeting foreign nationals in several South African communities, where migrant-owned businesses were reportedly attacked and looted during anti-immigration protests.

The unrest prompted Nigeria to evacuate nearly 1,500 citizens earlier this month as concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa intensified.

Enikanolaiye said both countries recognized the importance of preserving their longstanding bilateral relationship and agreed to reduce inflammatory public exchanges while strengthening diplomatic engagement.

According to him, Nigeria also requested stronger preventive measures to better safeguard its citizens, including improved policing in areas prone to violence, faster information sharing and mechanisms that could provide early warning whenever tensions begin to escalate.

South Africa reiterated its opposition to xenophobic violence, insisting that attacks against foreign nationals do not reflect official government policy.

Lamola said criminal acts committed by any individual, regardless of nationality, should be addressed through the country’s justice system rather than vigilante action or mob violence.

He acknowledged concerns about crimes allegedly involving some foreign nationals but stressed that law enforcement agencies—not self-appointed groups—must investigate and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law.

The South African minister added that authorities are continuing investigations into recent attacks, with arrests and prosecutions expected where sufficient evidence exists.

The renewed diplomatic engagement comes as Africa’s two largest economies seek to prevent the violence from undermining trade, investment and broader economic cooperation between both countries.

Officials from both sides indicated that dialogue would continue as they work toward strengthening security cooperation, protecting foreign residents and resolving outstanding issues arising from the recent unrest.