New diplomatic row is brewing between South Africa (SA) and Nigeria, this time over who bears the financial cost for hundreds of Nigerians leaving the country.

The friction started after officials in Abuja announced they would seek financial compensation for citizens who packed up and left following recent protests aimed at undocumented foreign nationals. More than 600 Nigerians have flown home over the last few weeks, though SA authorities maintain that those repatriated were in the country illegally.

SA has killed off any ideas of a payout. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni stated firmly that the state will not be opening its coffers.

“There’s no compensation that will come from government,” Ntshavheni said, pointing out that anyone who was operating legally has standard options available. “Those who leave their properties, if they are properly legally registered in the country, they can dispose of the properties in the property market in SA, whether it’s a movable or immovable property.”

Ntshavheni also took a direct swipe at the ongoing issues around crime and law enforcement, adding sharp commentary on the situation: “And we are going to seriously appreciate to be told where are the drug dens.”

While Nigeria wants to elevate the dispute to the highest diplomatic channels, SA’s blunt reaction suggests that any conversations about financial compensation will hit a brick wall.

–ChannelAfrica–