Xenophobic attacks: FG launches data collection form, demands compensation for Nigerians

The Federal Government says it is pursuing compensation for Nigerians affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa while strengthening diplomatic efforts to prevent further violence.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, disclosed this after briefing President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

Enikanolaiye said the briefing followed Tinubu’s directive to receive South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy and Foreign Minister, Ronald Lamola.

Enikanolaiye said he updated Tinubu on commitments secured from South Africa, including activating an early warning mechanism and the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission.

He also briefed Tinubu on the evacuation of about 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa following the attacks.

The minister said the government had successfully evacuated many citizens but noted that some Nigerians still wished to return home.

He said the government was exploring additional funding options to support further evacuation operations.

Enikanolaiye said Tinubu agreed the attacks were “Afrophobic” rather than merely xenophobic, urging African countries to confront the growing trend collectively.

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He added that Tinubu’s cordial relationship with Ramaphosa would be leveraged to strengthen diplomatic engagement aimed at ending the attacks.

On compensation, Enikanolaiye said the government had introduced a data collection process for Nigerians who lost property during the attacks.

Enikanolaiye said: “We have designed a form to be filled by all Nigerians who may have lost property in South Africa.

“We want to proceed on the basis of data and the quantum of losses they have suffered before tabling our claims.”

He stressed that Nigeria would continue negotiations with South Africa while retaining other options should diplomatic efforts fail.

“Nigeria has options. We are not helpless in this situation. We would prefer diplomacy and negotiations until we arrive at a mutually acceptable outcome,” the minister added.