The Senate on Tuesday warned that Nigeria may reconsider its diplomatic ties with South Africa if renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians continue, as lawmakers condemned the reported targeting of Nigerian citizens and businesses.
The warning followed a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, who drew the attention of the Red Chamber to the June 30, 2026, ultimatum allegedly issued to Nigerians residing in South Africa, describing it as a serious threat to their safety and economic well-being.
The latest concerns come amid a resurgence of xenophobic violence in South Africa, incidents that have over the years resulted in the deaths of several Nigerians, destruction of businesses, and recurring strain on bilateral relations between the two countries.
During the plenary, lawmakers urged the federal government to secure firm assurances from South African authorities on the protection of Nigerians while calling for decisive diplomatic engagement to prevent further attacks.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Salihu Mustapha (Kwara Central) called for a tougher stance.
He said, “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 relations with South Africa.”
However, the Senate adopted a more cautious approach after former Senate Leader Senator Yahaya Abdullahi cautioned that the attacks could be linked to broader political motives aimed at destabilising the South African government.
Drawing from his involvement in Nigeria’s National Committee Against Apartheid and his support for liberation movements such as the African National Congress, SWAPO, and FRELIMO, Abdullahi urged lawmakers not to view the situation in isolation.
“This is a coordinated effort to destabilise the government of South Africa and to remove the ruling party, the ANC, from office.
“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,” he said.
He also decried the poor funding of Nigeria’s foreign missions, noting that it has weakened the country’s capacity to adequately protect its citizens abroad.
Following deliberations, the Senate adopted four key resolutions directing the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, to obtain written guarantees from the South African government on the safety of Nigerians and to demand the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks.
Lawmakers further directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, and the Nigerian High Commission to compile a detailed record of Nigerians affected by the attacks, including those who suffered death, injury, displacement, unlawful detention, or loss of property, with a view to pursuing compensation and legal redress.
The Senate also urged the Federal Government to collaborate with other affected African countries and the African Union to establish an early warning and accountability mechanism to curb future xenophobic violence across the continent.
In addition, its committees on foreign affairs and diaspora affairs were mandated to review the implementation of the Senate’s May 5, 2026, resolution on xenophobic attacks, as well as existing bilateral agreements between Nigeria and South Africa, and report back within two legislative weeks.
Tensions rose further during the session when Senator Abdul Ningi proposed that President Bola Tinubu should initiate steps to sever diplomatic relations with South Africa if the attacks continue.
Similarly, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) suggested that Nigeria should appropriate profits from South African companies operating in the country, including financial institutions, and channel the funds toward compensating Nigerian victims.
“We can’t allow our people to suffer while South African investment and profit are being taken away here,” Oshiomhole argued. “The facts are self-evident. We don’t need further investigation.”
However, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, urged restraint and persuaded both senators to withdraw their proposals pending the outcome of the committee’s investigation.
“Let the Committee on Foreign Affairs investigate first,” Barau said. “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 take the line you were taking.”
Ningi subsequently agreed to withdraw his motion but insisted that it be formally recorded that it had been moved and seconded.
Lawmakers also reflected on Nigeria’s historic role in the anti-apartheid struggle, stressing that while the country remains committed to supporting democracy and stability in South Africa, it must prioritise the safety and protection of Nigerians living and working there.
The matter was eventually referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for further investigation, with a directive to submit its report within two weeks.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
