The National Assembly has approved the deployment of a high-level Nigerian delegation to South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians, with lawmakers also warning that sanctions could be imposed if the situation persists.
The resolution came after a heated debate in the Senate on Tuesday, during which lawmakers strongly condemned the reported attacks in South Africa and Ghana, describing them as unacceptable and a threat to regional stability in Africa.
The delegation—drawn from both the Senate and House of Representatives—is expected to engage directly with South African authorities, including the country’s parliament, to demand stronger protection for Nigerians and accountability for perpetrators of the violence.
Lawmakers said the mission would also review existing bilateral agreements between Nigeria and South Africa to assess compliance and identify gaps in implementation, particularly in relation to the protection of foreign nationals.
More Read
Concerns were raised in the chamber over reported deaths, injuries, and destruction of property belonging to Nigerians living in South Africa. Senators said the recurring nature of the attacks has created fear and uncertainty among citizens abroad.
“There must be consequences if this continues. Our citizens cannot keep suffering while nothing changes,” lawmakers said during the session.
However, there was division over the appropriate response. Senator Adams Oshiomhole called for stronger punitive measures, including possible sanctions such as restrictions on South African businesses operating in Nigeria, increased trade pressure, and a review of bilateral economic agreements if the attacks persist.
More Read
He argued that firmer action would compel South African authorities to respond more decisively to the safety of Nigerians.
In contrast, Senator Adamu Aliero urged restraint, stressing that diplomatic efforts already underway through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should be allowed to continue without interference.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also called for caution, maintaining that engagement and diplomacy remained the preferred path, while noting that Nigeria retains the right to respond appropriately if necessary.
Lawmakers further referenced Nigeria’s historical support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle. Senator Victor Umeh described the situation as a betrayal of shared history and continental solidarity.
The Senate also called on regional bodies such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) to strengthen enforcement mechanisms aimed at curbing xenophobic violence across the continent.
The session concluded with a minute of silence in honour of Nigerians who have lost their lives in the attacks, as lawmakers reaffirmed that the safety, dignity, and rights of Nigerian citizens abroad remain non-negotiable.
