The South African government has turned down Nigeria's request for compensation for citizens who abandoned their businesses and properties while fleeing renewed xenophobic attacks in the country.

The Nigerian government had earlier disclosed that it was compiling an inventory of businesses, homes and other assets left behind by affected citizens to support a formal request for compensation from South African authorities.

However, South Africa's Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, rejected the proposal, maintaining that the government would not compensate individuals for abandoned properties.

Speaking during a media briefing, Ntshavheni explained that legally owned properties remain protected under South African law and can be sold through the country's property market. She added that structures located in informal settlements are regarded as illegal and therefore do not qualify for any form of government compensation.

The minister also challenged Nigerian authorities to provide credible information on locations allegedly linked to criminal activities involving foreign nationals, stressing that such intelligence would assist law enforcement agencies in tackling crime.

"There is no compensation that will come from the government. Those who own legally registered properties can dispose of them through the property market," she said.

The development follows Nigeria's move to document losses suffered by citizens who fled South Africa after a fresh wave of xenophobic violence. The exercise was intended to quantify the value of abandoned businesses and properties as part of diplomatic engagements with the South African government.

South Africa's rejection of the request is expected to further strain discussions between both countries as they continue efforts to address the recurring attacks on foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians, and strengthen the protection of migrants living in the country.