The Senate on Tuesday strongly condemned the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa but however declined calls for the Federal Government to sever diplomatic ties with the country.
Lawmakers also turned down proposals urging the Federal Government to nationalise South African-owned businesses operating in Nigeria and use the proceeds to compensate Nigerians who have suffered losses from the attacks.
The latest debate follows a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South) on the need to halt the recurring pattern of xenophobic attacks and intimidation against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
Presenting the motion, Ekpenyong expressed concern over fresh attacks that followed the expiration of a June 30, 2026 ultimatum allegedly issued by vigilante groups directing foreign nationals to leave South Africa.
He noted that official reports indicate that at least 128 Nigerians were killed in South Africa between 2019 and 2022, with many of the deaths linked to anti-migrant sentiment.
The senator also cited recent incidents, including the death of Nigerian citizen, Emeka Charles Iroegbu while in police custody and the killing of Musa Yunana Joe, who was shot by unidentified gunmen in front of his shop in Witbank.
The motion sparked an emotional debate, with several lawmakers recalling Nigeria’s pivotal role in the struggle against apartheid and its longstanding support for South Africa’s liberation movement.
Angered by the latest developments, Senator Wasiu Eshilokun (Lagos Central) urged the Federal Government to retaliate by nationalising South African business interests in Nigeria and using the proceeds to compensate Nigerians forced to flee South Africa.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) supported the proposal, arguing that Nigeria should consider confiscating South African assets if the attacks persist.
Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) took an even stronger position, calling on Nigeria to completely sever diplomatic ties with South Africa.
However, former Senate Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi, cautioned against taking retaliatory measures, arguing that the violence could be part of a broader political conspiracy aimed at destabilising South Africa and weakening the ruling African National Congress, ANC.
He urged the Senate to act with restraint and avoid actions that could undermine long-standing diplomatic relations between both countries.
Following deliberations, the Senate rejected the calls to sever ties with South Africa and the proposal to nationalise South African-owned businesses in Nigeria.
Instead, lawmakers unanimously condemned the recurring xenophobic attacks, intimidation, unlawful profiling and vigilante activities targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
The Senate further urged the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, to obtain written assurances from the South African Government on the safety of Nigerians following the expiration of the June 30 ultimatum.
Lawmakers also demanded the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks, intimidation, looting and unlawful enforcement activities against foreign nationals.
The Senate directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa to strengthen emergency consular services and establish a verified register of Nigerians who have suffered death, injury, displacement, unlawful detention or loss of businesses and property for the purpose of legal redress, restitution and compensation.
It also urged the Federal Government to work with other affected African countries and the African Union to establish an early-warning and accountability mechanism to prevent future xenophobic violence and better protect African migrants.
Additionally, the Senate mandated its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, and Non-Governmental Organisations to review the implementation of its earlier resolutions of May 5, 2026, as well as previous Nigeria-South Africa bilateral commitments, and report back within two legislative weeks on measures taken and outstanding actions.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
