The National Assembly has resolved to set up a joint ad hoc committee to address rising xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, following growing concerns over the safety of Nigerian citizens abroad.
The decision was reached during Tuesday’s plenary, where lawmakers agreed that the committee, to be jointly constituted by the Senate and the House of Representatives, would embark on a fact-finding and diplomatic mission to South Africa.
The delegation is expected to be led by the leadership of the National Assembly and will engage South African authorities, including a planned visit to the South African Parliament, to formally express Nigeria’s concern over the reported attacks on its citizens.
Senators also resolved to communicate officially with the Speaker of the South African Parliament and invite Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to brief lawmakers on diplomatic efforts and progress made so far.
The move followed renewed incidents of violence and hostility against Nigerians in South Africa, which lawmakers described as unacceptable and alarming.
During deliberations, Senator Simon Lalong called for a review of earlier bilateral agreements reached in 2019 between Nigeria and South Africa, stressing the need to ensure full implementation of existing resolutions aimed at protecting citizens.
However, a proposal by Senator Adams Oshiomhole to consider economic retaliation, including the revocation of operating licences of South African firms such as MTN Group and MultiChoice (DStv), was rejected on procedural grounds.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasised diplomacy over confrontation, stating that legislative action would focus on engagement rather than economic sanctions.
He noted that the Senate considered the reported attacks a serious national issue and assured that it would be addressed with urgency.
The resolutions followed a motion of urgent national importance moved by Senator Bassey, titled: “Intensifying Xenophobic Persecution of Nigerians in South Africa and Ghana: A Call for Urgent National, Diplomatic and Humanitarian Action to Defend the Dignity, Safety and Honour of Nigerian Citizens.”
During debate, lawmakers were divided on whether proceedings should move into a closed session, as suggested by Senator Aliero.
The proposal was opposed by Senator Ningi and others, who insisted on an open deliberation.
The lawmakers expressed concern not only over physical attacks but also over increasing psychological trauma, profiling, and fear faced by Nigerians living abroad.
The Senate later observed a minute of silence in honour of Nigerians who have lost their lives in the reported attacks in South Africa
