Xenophobic attacks: NASS demands action against perpetrators

Urges FG to initiate high-level diplomatic dialogue with South Africa, Ghana to secure protection for Nigerians

Sets up ad hoc committee to visit South Africa over Xenophobia

The National Assembly has condemned the wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa and Ghana.

The Senate in its condemnation warned that continued violence, intimidation and reprisals could strain diplomatic ties and undermine regional stability if urgent action was not taken.

This followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Sen. Aniekan Akpan and co-sponsored by Sen. Osita Izunaso during Tuesday’s plenary.

The lawmakers expressed deep concern over what they described as a pattern of hostility in which Nigerians were increasingly profiled and treated as though being a Nigerian national alone constitutes an offence.

In its resolutions, the senate urged the Federal Government to immediately initiate a high-level diplomatic dialogue with South Africa and Ghana to secure protection for Nigerians and obtain enforceable assurances against future attacks.

The upper chamber also called for a full, transparent, credible and independent investigation into all the reported incidents.

It also insisted that perpetrators and their sponsors must be identified, arrested, prosecuted and punished.

“This is in addition to calling for the development of a comprehensive protection framework for Nigerians in the diaspora, including early warning mechanisms and diaspora displacement coordination centres,” it said.

The lawmakers also pressed for strong regional enforcement and accountability measures within ECOWAS and the African Union to deter xenophobia through diplomatic and legal action that protects African citizens across borders.

The upper chamber described the attacks as barbaric, unlawful and inconsistent with African brotherhood, raising alarm over what it termed advocacy of fear, humiliation and psychological trauma.

It noted that authorities in South Africa had acknowledged the incidents and pledged to restore order, a development it said confirmed the seriousness and contemporary nature of the incidents.

During the debate, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) canvassed a tougher response, warning of economic consequences if the attacks persisted.

“By the time we withdraw MTN licence, we revoke DStv licence, those workers from South Africa will have good jobs to do.

“Let South Africa continue with their jobs. I believe there will be sanity,” he said.

The senator urged colleagues not to turn the chamber into a place of mourning, crying and lamenting, but to “bite in a manner that they will be the one begging.”

However, Sen. Adamu Aliero (APC-Kebbi) urged caution, stressing the need for diplomacy.

“I rise to contribute to this very important debate. First and foremost, in international relations, there is what we call rule of reciprocity.

“Nigeria has done a lot for South Africa and we demand a lot also from South Africa by making sure that Nigerians living in South Africa and conducting their business do so freely and fairly without any intimidation,” he submitted.

Aliero disclosed that diplomatic engagement was already underway.

“Mr President, I’m aware that the Federal Government of Nigeria has already stepped into this matter.

“Currently, the Minister of Foreign Affairs is already in South Africa to discuss with the authorities there,” he said.

The Senate also resolved to constitute a joint ad hoc committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives to address the rising cases of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

The committee, to be led by the Chairman of the National Assembly, will undertake a fact-finding and diplomatic visit to South Africa aimed at finding lasting solutions to the crisis.

As part of its mandate, the delegation is expected to visit the South African Parliament to formally express Nigeria’s strong displeasure over the reported attacks.

The Senate also plans to write to the Speaker of the South African Parliament, as well as invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs to brief lawmakers on the outcomes of their engagements.

The upper chamber also upheld a resolution by Senator Simon Lalong calling for a review of resolutions reached during a 2019 bilateral meeting between Nigeria and South Africa, with a view to ensuring their implementation.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives on Tuesday unanimously condemned the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians by the South Africans.

This resolution was taken following a motion under matters of urgent national importance by Rep. Donald Ojogo,  representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, Ondo State.

Ojogo called for the review in bilateral relations with South Africa following the recent attacks against Nigerians living in the country.

The Deputy speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary also expressed disapproval on the recurring incidence.

The lawmakers, who described the situation as shameful, unanimously agreed on the need to review the bilateral ties.

The house also called for review of tax incentives being enjoyed by South African firms in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Xenophobia in South Africa is a persistent issue, with a new wave of violence against foreign nationals emerging in April, targeting African migrants in Western Cape.

The attacks involved looting, property damage, and forced business closures, driven by high unemployment and blamed on “political entrepreneurs” and anti-immigrant groups.