In a decisive step to safeguard the rights and livelihoods of Nigerians in the diaspora, the House of Representatives has resolved to launch a full-scale legislative investigation into the ongoing human and economic losses suffered by Nigerian citizens due to xenophobic violence in the Republic of South Africa.
The motion, sponsored by Hon. Babajimi Benson, underscores the urgent need to move beyond diplomatic protests and establish an authoritative evidential record of casualties, injuries, property destruction, and financial damage spanning nearly two decades.
Moving the motion, Hon. Benson reminded the House of Nigeria’s historical legacy as a leading architect of South Africa’s liberation. Nigeria committed vast diplomatic, financial, and political resources toward dismantling Apartheid, establishing the Southern African Relief Fund, offering educational scholarships, and advocating at the United Nations, Commonwealth, and the Organisation of African Unity.
Despite this shared history, law-abiding Nigerians residing in South Africa have remained recurrent targets of coordinated anti-foreigner campaigns, mob violence, looting, arson, physical assaults, and forced displacement.
Notable waves of violence recorded in 2008, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, and subsequent years have continually strained diplomatic ties and forced emergency evacuations of Nigerian citizens.
He further stated that “Every successive wave of xenophobic violence has been followed by public condemnation without a corresponding institutional effort to document the losses suffered by Nigerians comprehensively. This has denied the Federal Government an authoritative basis for sustained diplomatic negotiations and reparations.”
The House expressed grave concern over the recent resurgence of inflammatory rhetoric and hostility driven by groups such as Operation Dudula and similar organizations. These coordinated campaigns and unlawful ultimatums have created widespread fear, forcing many Nigerians to abandon their homes, businesses, and long-term investments while seeking emergency evacuation.
While past legislative sessions have repeatedly debated and condemned these attacks, none led to an exhaustive inventory of the aggregate casualties and social-economic damages inflicted on Nigerian diaspora communities over the years.
To establish clear accountability and permanent protective mechanisms, the House of Representatives officially resolved to:
Charge the House Committees on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs to comprehensively investigate the losses, damages, and casualties suffered by Nigerians in South Africa.
Take a complete inventory of abandoned properties and destroyed businesses resulting from both previous and recent xenophobic attacks.
Recommend strategic diplomatic initiatives, legal mechanisms, and bilateral engagements to hold perpetrators accountable, ensure the protection of Nigerian residents, and enforce compliance with international human rights obligations.
Direct the joint committees to submit their findings and recommendations within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
