The Federal Government has demanded justice for Nigerians killed in South Africa and compensation for victims whose businesses were destroyed, properties looted and livelihoods lost in recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, disclosed this after meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, in Abuja.

According to the minister, no fewer than 98 Nigerians have been killed in attacks in South Africa between 2022 and 2026, while over 1,400 others have been forced to return home after fleeing the violence.

Enikanolaiye said Nigeria had begun compiling a comprehensive register of losses suffered by its citizens to support claims for compensation from the South African government.

“You can’t even make a claim unless you know exactly the volume and distribution of those who are making those claims,” he said.

He noted that the South African government acknowledged concerns raised by Nigeria and promised to fast-track investigations into the killings.

“We insisted on accountability. They told us that some arrests had been made, some prosecutions were ongoing, and they assured us of diligent prosecution. We insisted on convictions,” the minister said.

He stressed that the protection of Nigerians abroad remains a priority of the Tinubu administration, regardless of their immigration status.

“Whether they are regular or irregular, they are human beings. Criminals also have a right to life. You cannot say because they are criminals and begin to hound and kill them,” he stated.

Enikanolaiye added that Nigeria was not helpless in responding to the attacks, saying diplomacy remained the preferred approach, although “all options are still on the table.”

He disclosed that both countries had agreed to activate the Early Warning Mechanism and the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission to address recurring attacks and improve bilateral cooperation.

The minister also revealed that about 1,490 Nigerians had already been evacuated from South Africa, with the Federal Government considering additional support for more citizens who wish to return home.

He added that President Bola Tinubu would leverage his relationship with President Ramaphosa in pursuit of a lasting solution to the violence targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.