By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider 

President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, has been actively pursuing compensation for the Nigerians that have been subjected to Xenophobic attacks in South Africa as well strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries in order for the violence to de-escalate. 

According to Minister of Foreign Affairs for Nigeria, Sola Enikanolaiye, the government of Nigeria has introduced a data collection process in accordance with claims of Nigerians losing their property during the xenophobic attacks.

 “We have designed a form to be filled by all Nigerians who may have lost property in South Africa. We want to proceed on the basis of data and the quantum of losses they have suffered before tabling our compensation claims” said Enikanolaiye.

He also emphasised that Nigeria will continue to negotiate with South Africa while retaining other options should negotiations fall through.

“Nigeria has options. We are not helpless in this situation. We would prefer diplomacy and negotiations until we arrive at a mutually acceptable outcome” said Enikanolaiye.

Nigeria has repatriated 1,490 citizens since the attacks took place, according to the Nigerian foreign ministry. Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has condemned all forms of xenophobic attacks and violence and has emphasised that no individual citizens is allowed to take the law into their own hands.

 “The protest and the violence that is happening is not state sponsored, it is not condoned by the South African government.” said Lamola.

“We have agreed that all issues of criminality must be dealt with in terms of the law” said Lamola. Lamola also stated that South Africa remains concerned about criminal activities which allegedly involve Nigerian citizens in regards to drug trafficking and cybercrime and has stressed that these issues will be dealt with through the systems of the law.