Nigeria and other African countries have been urged to formally demand compensation from the South African government over repeated xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, according to a former Nigerian diplomat.

The call was made by former Nigerian Ambassador to Switzerland, Joseph Ayalogu, during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, as reported by Channels TV.

Ayalogu said affected citizens and business owners whose livelihoods have been destroyed should not only receive protection but also financial redress from authorities in South Africa. He argued that African governments, including Nigeria, should take a stronger diplomatic stance and press for accountability.

He also criticised what he described as insufficient action by South African authorities, insisting that existing laws must be properly enforced to prevent further attacks. According to him, repeated incidents show that stronger policing and political will are required to curb violence against foreign nationals.

The remarks come amid renewed xenophobic violence in South Africa, which has reportedly resulted in deaths, destruction of businesses and fresh evacuations of foreign nationals, including Nigerians. The Federal Government has already facilitated the return of hundreds of citizens, while security measures have been stepped up in response to rising tensions.

South African officials have, however, maintained that they are strengthening deployments across provinces and warning against criminality linked to anti-immigration sentiments.

The latest comments have reignited debate across Africa on how governments should respond collectively to recurring xenophobic violence and whether compensation mechanisms should be pursued through diplomatic or legal channels.