The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has strongly condemned the recent wave of xenophobic attacks and systemic hostility targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in the Republic of South Africa.
Following a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, the upper legislative chamber on Tuesday directed the Federal Government to immediately secure written assurances from Pretoria regarding the safety of Nigerians, while demanding the swift arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators of the violence.
The Senate’s intervention follows a tense climate generated by anti-migrant groups in South Africa, who issued an ultimatum directing undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country by June 30, 2026. Lawmakers noted with grave concern that the expiration of this deadline has triggered widespread violence, displacement, and the looting of foreign owned businesses. Crucially, the hostility has extended beyond undocumented migrants to include the unlawful profiling, eviction, and harassment of Nigerians possessing valid legal residency and work permits by unauthorized vigilante groups.
The Senate warned that Nigeria’s long standing commitment to African solidarity and diplomacy must not be mistaken for weakness. Lawmakers recalled Nigeria’s immense financial, diplomatic, and material sacrifices in backing South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle, including hosting the 1977 World Conference for Action Against Apartheid and campaigning for the release of Nelson Mandela
The upper chamber further observed the stark asymmetry in bilateral relations, noting that while Nigerian owned businesses in South Africa face persistent threats and destruction, South African companies continue to operate peacefully and lawfully within Nigeria.
Contributing to the debate, several lawmakers emphasized the need for a paradigm shift:
Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno asserted that safeguarding Nigerians abroad is a constitutional obligation and the core of the social contract.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for facilitating voluntary evacuations, while insisting that affected Nigerians deserve full restitution and compensation for destroyed properties.
Senator Abdul Ningi cautioned that if diplomatic appeals continue to fail, Nigeria should consider severe measures, including severing diplomatic ties.
While acknowledging the complex internal political dynamics of South Africa, Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged diplomatic restraint and directed the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs to conduct a thorough investigation into the situation, with a mandate to submit a comprehensive report within two legislative weeks.
Consequently, the Senate officially adopted resolutions urging the Federal Government to:
Secure Written Assurances: Engage the South African government via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian High Commission to obtain formal, binding guarantees for the protection of Nigerian citizens.
Ensure Legal Redress: Establish a verified register of affected Nigerians to pursue legal remedies, restitution, and compensation for lost livelihoods.
Enhance Consular Support: Strengthen emergency consular services in South Africa to assist distressed citizens.
Foster Continental Accountability: Partner with the African Union and other African nations to establish an early warning mechanism to prevent future xenophobic violence.
