The Senate on Tuesday strongly condemned the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, urging the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic efforts to ensure the protection of Nigerian citizens while rejecting proposals for economic retaliation against South African businesses operating in Nigeria.
The resolution followed the consideration of a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South), who expressed concern over the recurring attacks, intimidation, displacement and destruction of businesses belonging to Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
The Senate described the attacks as unacceptable and called on the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, to secure firm assurances from the South African authorities on the safety and protection of Nigerians living in the country.
Lawmakers also demanded the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for attacks, looting, intimidation and other acts of violence targeting foreign nationals.
During the debate, several senators expressed outrage over the repeated incidents, insisting that Nigeria could no longer remain passive while its citizens were subjected to violence abroad.
Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) argued that the country must adopt stronger measures to protect Nigerians, warning that repeated condemnations without decisive action would fail to deter future attacks. He advocated a review of Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with South Africa.
Similarly, Senator Babangida Hussaini (APC, Jigawa North West) called for a stronger foreign policy response, noting that Nigerians have increasingly become targets of xenophobic violence not only in South Africa but in other countries.
Former Edo State Governor and Senator Adams Oshiomhole also proposed tougher economic measures, suggesting that Nigeria should consider taking over South African business interests operating in the country and channel the proceeds towards compensating Nigerians who have lost lives, businesses and property during the attacks.
However, after extensive deliberations, the Senate rejected proposals seeking the nationalisation of South African-owned companies such as MTN and MultiChoice’s DStv operations, opting instead for sustained diplomatic engagement and institutional action. The decision followed a voice vote by lawmakers.
As part of its resolutions, the Senate directed its Committee on Foreign Affairs, alongside relevant committees, to investigate the latest attacks, review previous resolutions and engagements between Nigeria and South Africa, and report back within the stipulated timeframe with recommendations for further legislative action. Lawmakers also urged relevant government agencies to strengthen emergency consular support for affected Nigerians and compile a verified register of victims to facilitate legal redress, restitution and compensation.
The debate comes amid renewed reports of anti-migrant violence in parts of South Africa, where Nigerian authorities recently confirmed the deaths of two Nigerian citizens during a period of heightened tension involving foreign nationals. The Federal Government has warned that it may consider additional measures should the attacks continue, while South African authorities have said allegations should be pursued through established diplomatic channels and that investigations into reported incidents are ongoing.
The Senate reiterated that while every sovereign nation has the right to enforce its immigration laws, such enforcement must be carried out within the bounds of the rule of law and respect for human rights, warning that xenophobic violence threatens regional integration, African solidarity and the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and South Africa.