The UK government has announced plans to seize millions in unclaimed estates belonging to deceased African migrants—many of them Nigerians
The properties have remained unclaimed in the United Kingdom, raising questions about lost family wealth and the role of the UK government in handling these assets.
The latest *bona vacantia* (ownerless goods) list, updated daily by UK authorities, includes over 170 cases linked to African-born individuals, with Nigerians making up a significant portion.
The properties with no wills or next of kin identified, these assets—ranging from properties to savings—are now in the custody of the British Crown.
The lack of estate planning by migrants have meant their fortunes risk being permanently lost, leaving families back in Africa unaware and powerless.
Due to Nigerian families unknowingly lose millions in inheritance, some are questioning whether the legal process of the UK government taking control of such properties is an unfortunate legal process or a system that disproportionately benefits the UK at the expense of African migrants.
Some critics have argued that the UK government should do more in seeking out the deceased owners of such properties instead of seizing control of them.
