Xenophobia: Senate Threatens Diplomatic Action Against South Africa Over Fresh Attacks

The Senate on Tuesday warned that Nigeria could review its diplomatic relations with South Africa if renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians continue, as lawmakers condemned the reported targeting of Nigerian citizens and businesses.

The resolution 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 grave threat to their safety and livelihoods.

The development comes amid renewed concerns over recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa, which have over the years claimed the lives of several Nigerians, destroyed businesses and repeatedly strained diplomatic relations between both countries.

During plenary, senators called on the Federal Government to secure firm guarantees from the South African authorities for the protection of Nigerians while urging decisive diplomatic engagement to prevent a recurrence.

Speaking during the debate, Senator Salihu Mustapha (Kwara Central) urged the Federal Government to adopt a tougher position.

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 opted for a more cautious approach after former Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, warned that the attacks could be part of a wider political agenda aimed at destabilising the South African government.

Recalling his involvement with Nigeria’s National Committee Against Apartheid and support for liberation movements, including the African National Congress, SWAPO and FRELIMO, Abdullahi argued that the situation should not be viewed 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.

The lawmaker also lamented the poor funding of Nigeria’s foreign missions, saying it had weakened the country’s ability to adequately protect Nigerians 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 and the Nigerian High Commission to compile a comprehensive record of 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 on xenophobic attacks, as well as 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 if the attacks persist.

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 towards compensating Nigerian victims of xenophobic attacks.

“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 step down his motion but insisted that it should be officially recorded that he had moved it and that it was duly 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 also ensure the safety and protection of Nigerians living and working there.

The matter was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for further investigation, with a mandate to submit its report within two weeks.