…Calls for diplomatic review of expenses incurred by Pretoria
By Dennis Agbo
Former Enugu State House of Assembly member and former South-East spokesman for President Bola Tinubu, Denge Josef Onoh, has rejected a reported demand by the South African government for Nigeria to reimburse about R292 million ($18.5 million) in expenses allegedly incurred in repatriating foreign nationals.
Onoh, in a statement issued from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, described the demand as a matter that should be subjected to diplomatic and legal review, arguing that costs incurred by South African authorities in managing immigration-related operations should not automatically be transferred to other sovereign governments.
His reaction followed reports that South Africa had approached Nigeria, Malawi and Ethiopia over expenses associated with the accommodation, transportation and repatriation of foreign nationals during recent immigration enforcement operations.
The reported costs include transportation, temporary accommodation and repatriation facilities, as well as staff-related expenses.
Onoh said Nigeria should formally seek clarification from the South African government on the legal and diplomatic basis for the reimbursement request.
He argued that the responsibilities of a host country towards migrants and foreign nationals should be considered within the framework of applicable international and regional agreements.
Onoh also called for discussions on the treatment of African migrants and businesses in South Africa, particularly where individuals or companies have suffered losses during incidents of unrest.
He said Nigeria should work with other affected countries and relevant stakeholders to establish the scale of any verifiable economic losses suffered by their nationals.
According to him, any such assessment should be based on documented evidence and established legal and diplomatic procedures.
Onoh said Nigeria could engage South African authorities through diplomatic channels to address concerns relating to the welfare, property and business interests of Nigerian nationals in the country.
He further called for consultations among Nigeria, Malawi, Ethiopia and other affected countries to develop a coordinated position on the reported repatriation expenses.
On Nigeria’s historical role in the anti-apartheid struggle, Onoh recalled the country’s longstanding political, diplomatic and material support for the liberation of South Africa.
He argued that Nigeria’s contribution to the anti-apartheid struggle should form part of the broader historical context of relations between the two countries.
Onoh cited estimates that Nigeria committed significant financial, diplomatic and other resources to the anti-apartheid campaign between 1960 and 1994, including support for South African liberation movements and assistance to affected South Africans.
He said that history should be considered in assessing the broader relationship between Nigeria and South Africa.
“Nigeria spent over $61 billion, which does not represent a single direct cash payment. Instead, it is a cumulative estimate spanning the years 1960 to 1994,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria’s support included diplomatic efforts, humanitarian assistance and other forms of solidarity with the anti-apartheid movement.
Onoh said Nigeria should continue to pursue the matter through established diplomatic and multilateral channels rather than allowing the disagreement to escalate.
He also urged both countries to protect their longstanding economic and diplomatic ties and ensure that disputes involving immigration and repatriation do not undermine broader bilateral relations.
He maintained that any financial claims between the two countries should be supported by clear documentation, established legal obligations and mutually acceptable procedures.
Onoh said Nigeria should also engage relevant authorities on the protection of Nigerians living and doing business in South Africa.
He called for stronger bilateral mechanisms to address issues involving migration, trade, investment and the safety of nationals of both countries.
He said the objective should be to resolve the matter through dialogue while preserving the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and South Africa.
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