The Senate has mandated its Committee on Foreign Affairs to investigate the renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa and submit a report within two weeks to guide the Federal Government on appropriate diplomatic and policy measures.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South), during which lawmakers unanimously condemned the attacks that have resulted in deaths, injuries and destruction of properties belonging to Nigerians.
The debate on the Senate floor on Tuesday grew heated, with several lawmakers calling for stronger action against South Africa.
Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) urged President Bola Tinubu to consider severing diplomatic relations with South Africa if the attacks continue, arguing that Nigeria must adopt a firmer approach in protecting its citizens abroad.
“We can’t pretend those killed are not Nigerians. We are representing Nigerians. When we say caution, what do we mean by that? We can’t be condemning and not doing anything,” Ningi said.
“The centrepiece of Nigeria’s foreign policy has to change. Let’s sever relations with South Africa. Enough is enough. Silence is no longer golden.”
Ningi said more than 1,200 Nigerians were being repatriated from South Africa and called for a review of Nigeria’s foreign policy approach. However, his proposal to immediately sever diplomatic ties was rejected by the Senate.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) suggested that Nigeria should consider measures targeting South African businesses operating in the country, including financial institutions, and use any proceeds to support victims of xenophobic attacks.
“We can’t allow our people to suffer while South African investment and profit are being taken away here; the facts are self-evident. We don’t need further investigation,” Oshiomhole said.
However, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the sitting, urged lawmakers to await the outcome of the committee’s investigation before taking further action.
“Let the Committee on Foreign Affairs investigate first. Nigeria leads Africa. We need to lead by example. Once we have well-informed facts, we can take action. If this report is not satisfactory to this chamber, then we will take the line you were taking,” he said.
Following Barau’s intervention, Ningi withdrew his proposal for the immediate suspension of diplomatic relations but requested that the Senate record that the motion had been formally moved and seconded.
At the end of deliberations, the Senate directed the Foreign Affairs Committee to investigate the recurring attacks and submit its findings within two weeks.
The move comes amid renewed tensions in South Africa following calls by local groups for undocumented immigrants to leave the country by a June 30 deadline. The development triggered protests, looting and reports of attacks targeting foreigners, including African nationals.
Several African countries, including Nigeria, have since begun arrangements to repatriate citizens who feel threatened by the unrest.
