The South African government has dismissed Nigeria’s request for compensation over properties abandoned by citizens fleeing recent xenophobic attacks, maintaining that legally acquired assets remain protected under the country’s laws and can be sold through the appropriate legal channels.

Addressing journalists on Friday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said Nigerians who legally own houses, businesses or vehicles in South Africa retain full ownership rights and may dispose of such assets through the country’s established property and business systems.

She explained that registered properties, vehicles and businesses are protected by law through official institutions such as the Deeds Registry, the National Traffic Information System (NATIS), and the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), making government compensation unnecessary.

Ntshavheni, however, ruled out compensation for structures located in informal settlements, stressing that such developments are illegal under South African law.

The minister also challenged Nigerian authorities to provide information on locations allegedly used as drug dens by Nigerians, saying such intelligence would assist South African authorities in tackling drug-related activities.

Her comments followed Nigeria’s decision to pursue compensation for citizens who abandoned businesses and other assets while fleeing anti-migrant violence in South Africa.

Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, had disclosed that affected Nigerians were directed to document businesses, vehicles and other movable and immovable assets left behind to support discussions with South African authorities.

According to Ajayi, returnees have been instructed to provide accurate details and locations of their abandoned properties as Nigeria engages South Africa on possible compensation.

The Federal Government has so far evacuated more than 850 Nigerians from South Africa in four separate batches and says it will continue diplomatic efforts with Pretoria while ensuring the safe return of affected citizens.