Nigerians in SA demand R1bn reparations per killed citizen, destroyed business
Nigerians living in South Africa, led by Akwa Ibom Indigenes Forum President Akaninyene Willie, have called for South Africa to pay at least one billion rand (R1bn) for each Nigerian killed and for every Nigerian-owned business destroyed during ongoing xenophobic attacks. Willie urged Nigeria to mount stronger diplomatic pressure, including approaching the International Criminal Court, and appealed for the expedited evacuation of thousands of stranded Nigerians still awaiting repatriation.
The demand comes after Nigeria’s Federal Government banned further official travel to South Africa, a move legal practitioner Osai Ahiakwo described as justified but insufficient. Ahiakwo noted the travel restriction does not investigate killings, prosecute perpetrators, provide immediate protection to those at risk, or bring relief to bereaved families, leaving Nigerians already in the country vulnerable.
Willie insisted that South Africa should be charged R1bn per Nigerian citizen killed, while Ahiakwo advised using the travel ban as diplomatic leverage to demand concrete protections, thorough investigations, and prosecutions of those responsible. Nigerians with family, business, or travel ties to South Africa should monitor developments, heed official evacuation notices, and consider personal safety measures.