Nigeria says it will seek compensation from South Africa for citizens who left the country following recent anti-migrant protests targeting undocumented foreign nationals.
Nigerian officials say they have begun documenting businesses, properties, vehicles and other assets left behind by citizens who returned home or are awaiting repatriation. The claims are expected to be verified before any formal request is made through diplomatic channels.
Hundreds of Nigerians are still waiting to be evacuated from South Africa, while more than 600 have already been repatriated in recent weeks.
South African authorities say those flown home were in the country illegally, a position disputed by Nigeria.
The developments come after around 25,000 nationals from other African countries left South Africa following a wave of anti-migrant protests. Several groups had demanded that undocumented foreigners leave the country by June 30, with marches held across parts of South Africa.
The demonstrations were largely peaceful, but isolated violence against foreigners was reported. South African police say around 900 people were arrested, mostly in connection with immigration-related offences and looting.
South Africa has faced growing criticism over anti-migrant rhetoric, Afrophobia and violence, with African nationals increasingly caught between economic hardship, political scapegoating and rising xenophobic sentiment.
