Amanze Chinonye
The Senate on Tuesday signalled that Nigeria could adopt tougher diplomatic measures against South Africa if renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians persist, reflecting growing pressure on the Federal Government to move beyond routine condemnations and take stronger action to protect its citizens abroad, Prime Business Africa reports.
The warning followed a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, who drew the attention of the Red Chamber to a June 30, 2026, ultimatum allegedly issued to Nigerians residing in South Africa, describing it as a serious threat to their safety, businesses and livelihoods.
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Nigeria Senate Approves Delegation to South Africa Over Renewed Xenophobic Attacks on Citizens
The debate comes against the backdrop of recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa that have, over the years, claimed the lives of several Nigerians, destroyed businesses and repeatedly tested diplomatic relations between Africa’s two largest economies.
Leading the debate, lawmakers urged the Federal Government to obtain firm assurances from the South African authorities on the safety of Nigerians while strengthening diplomatic engagement to prevent further attacks.
Senator Salihu Mustapha (Kwara Central) called for a more robust response, arguing that Nigeria could no longer remain passive while its citizens were repeatedly targeted.
“We cannot continue to fold our arms while Nigerians are being killed and their businesses looted,” he said, suggesting that Nigeria should consider severing diplomatic relations with South Africa.
Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) echoed the position, urging President Bola Tinubu to begin the process of cutting diplomatic ties with South Africa if the attacks continue. He argued that Nigeria had exhausted conventional diplomatic channels and insisted that his proposal be formally recorded, even after agreeing to withdraw it pending further legislative action.
Also weighing in, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) proposed economic retaliation, suggesting that profits generated by South African companies operating in Nigeria should be used to compensate Nigerian victims of xenophobic attacks.
“We can’t allow our people to suffer while South African investments continue to generate huge profits here,” Oshiomhole said, maintaining that the circumstances demanded a decisive response.
However, former Senate Leader Yahaya Abdullahi urged caution, warning against actions that could undermine Nigeria’s long-standing diplomatic interests.
Drawing on his involvement in Nigeria’s anti-apartheid struggle and support for liberation movements such as the African National Congress (ANC), SWAPO and FRELIMO, Abdullahi argued that the attacks could be linked to broader political developments within South Africa aimed at weakening the governing ANC.
He also decried the poor funding of Nigeria’s foreign missions, saying it had diminished the country’s capacity to effectively protect Nigerians living abroad.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the plenary, appealed for restraint and persuaded Ningi and Oshiomhole to withdraw their proposals pending the outcome of an investigation by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.
“Nigeria leads Africa. We need to lead by example,” Barau said. “Once we have well-informed facts, we can take action. If the committee’s report is not satisfactory, this chamber can revisit stronger measures.”
Ningi subsequently agreed to step down his motion but insisted that it be officially recorded that it had been moved and seconded.
Following extensive deliberations, the Senate stopped short of endorsing calls to sever diplomatic ties, opting instead for stronger diplomatic engagement while directing the Federal Government to seek written assurances from the South African government on the safety of Nigerians and demand the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks.
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The Senate also directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa to compile a comprehensive register of Nigerians who have 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 the African Union and other affected African countries to establish an early warning and accountability mechanism to curb xenophobic attacks across the continent.
In addition, the Senate mandated its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs to review the implementation of previous resolutions on xenophobic attacks and existing bilateral agreements between Nigeria and South Africa, with a report expected within two legislative weeks.
The resolutions underscore mounting concern within the National Assembly that repeated attacks on Nigerians in South Africa require a stronger and more coordinated response.
While lawmakers stopped short of recommending an immediate diplomatic break, the debate signals growing impatience with recurring violence against Nigerians abroad and places renewed pressure on the Federal Government to ensure the safety of its citizens while reassessing the future of relations with Pretoria if the attacks persist.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
