Reps Seek Compensation as South African Businesses Shut Over Xenophobic Attacks

• Story Highlights

• The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the human and economic losses suffered by Nigerians in repeated xenophobic attacks in South Africa

• Lawmakers also urged stronger diplomatic engagement to safeguard Nigerians in South Africa amid renewed anti-foreigner campaigns and recurring attacks.

• The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa says the closure of foreign-owned businesses is now hurting South African communities

The House of Representatives has ordered an investigation into the human and economic toll of recurring xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, paving the way for possible compensation for victims who have lost relatives, businesses and property over the years.

The lawmakers also called for stronger diplomatic efforts to protect Nigerians living in South Africa as anti-foreigner sentiments continue to fuel attacks on migrants.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Babajimi Benson, who represents Ikorodu Federal Constituency in Lagos State.

The House mandated its relevant committees to assess the scale of casualties, destruction of property and financial losses suffered by Nigerians in successive waves of xenophobic violence.

Benson said the investigation would help determine appropriate compensation for victims while strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic response to the recurring attacks.

Renewed concerns over attacks
Presenting the motion, Benson recalled Nigeria’s contribution to the struggle against apartheid, noting that the country invested significant diplomatic, financial and political resources in South Africa’s liberation.

He, however, lamented that despite that historical support, Nigerians living legally in South Africa had remained targets of xenophobic violence for nearly two decades.

According to him, major outbreaks recorded in 2008, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021 claimed lives, destroyed businesses and properties, displaced residents and strained diplomatic relations between both countries.

The lawmaker also expressed concern over the resurgence of anti-foreigner groups, including Operation Dudula, warning that their activities have heightened fear among migrants across South Africa.

Business closures hitting South African economy
Meanwhile, the President of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, Frank Onyekwelu, said communities that supported attacks on foreign-owned businesses are beginning to experience the economic consequences.

Speaking on MEDIA TODAY, Onyekwelu said the closure of businesses owned by foreigners had slowed commercial activities in several communities and limited residents’ access to affordable goods.

“The reality is beginning to catch up with them. It’s one thing to demand that foreigners leave; it’s another to face the consequences afterwards.

“We have seen South Africans asking foreign business owners to return because they can no longer access affordable goods nearby,” he said.

He added that many city centres had witnessed declining cash circulation and reduced business activities following the shutdown of foreign-owned enterprises.

Nigerians record fresh losses
Onyekwelu said Nigerians continue to face threats and attacks despite efforts by security agencies and community leaders to restore calm.

According to him, NICASA receives reports of attacks daily through its leadership structures across South Africa’s nine provinces.

He disclosed that many Nigerians had abandoned homes, businesses and years of investment while fleeing violence, with some among the nearly 1,500 citizens previously evacuated from the country.

He also said the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg and the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria had directed affected Nigerians to document their losses for possible future compensation claims.

Citing a recent incident, Onyekwelu said more than 25 vehicles were destroyed when a Nigerian-owned mechanic workshop was set ablaze on July 5.

He argued that Nigerians were often unfairly profiled because of the actions of a few individuals and accused some South African politicians of exploiting anti-foreigner sentiments to gain political support.