Xenophobia: Lawmakers threaten sanctions against S/Africa

The Senate on Tuesday expressed outrage over renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, warning that Nigeria may be forced to review its diplomatic relations with Pretoria if the violence persists. The resolution followed a motion by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, who drew attention to a June 30, 2026, ultimatum allegedly issued to Nigerians living […]

The Senate on Tuesday expressed outrage over renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, warning that Nigeria may be forced to review its diplomatic relations with Pretoria if the violence persists.

The resolution followed a motion by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, who drew attention to a June 30, 2026, ultimatum allegedly issued to Nigerians living in South Africa.

He described the development as a grave threat to the safety of Nigerian citizens and their businesses.

During the debate, lawmakers condemned the recurring attacks and called on the Federal Government to secure firm guarantees from the South African authorities for the protection of Nigerians.

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Senator Salihu Mustapha (Kwara Central) urged the Federal Government to take a stronger stance against South Africa.

“We cannot continue to fold our arms while Nigerians are being killed and their businesses looted. This is the starting point for a very robust engagement. I suggest we sever all diplomatic relationships with South Africa,” Mustapha said.

However, the Senate adopted a more cautious approach after Senator Yahaya Abdullahi warned that the attacks could be part of a broader political agenda aimed at destabilising the South African government.

He added, “There is an attempt from the right wing of the white South Africans, and now coming up from the black ones, to delegitimise the government as quickly as possible. We should tread with great caution and carefully consider this conspiracy.”

The senator also lamented the poor funding of Nigeria’s foreign missions, saying it has weakened the country’s ability to adequately protect its citizens abroad.

Following extensive deliberations, the Senate adopted four resolutions directing 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 and to demand the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks.

The Senate also directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), and the Nigerian High Commission to document all Nigerians who suffered death, injury, displacement, unlawful detention, or loss of property with a view to pursuing legal redress and compensation.

Lawmakers further 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 attacks across the continent.

In addition, the Senate mandated its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs to review the implementation of its May 5, 2026, resolution, alongside previous bilateral agreements between Nigeria and South Africa, and report back within two legislative weeks.

The debate became more heated when Senator Abdul Ningi proposed that President Bola Tinubu should begin the process of severing diplomatic relations with South Africa should the attacks continue.

Similarly, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) suggested that Nigeria should appropriate the profits of South African companies operating in the country, including financial institutions, and channel the funds toward compensating Nigerian victims of xenophobic attacks.

However, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, urged caution and persuaded both senators to withdraw their proposals pending the outcome of the committee’s investigation.