Senate Orders Two-Week Investigation into Xenophobic Attacks on Nigerians in South Africa

The Senate has directed its Committee on Foreign Affairs to submit, within two weeks, a comprehensive report on the recent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, as lawmakers debated Nigeria’s response to the violence.

The resolution followed a motion on the renewed attacks, during which Senator Adams Oshiomhole urged the Federal Government to adopt tougher measures against South Africa.

Oshiomhole called on the government to seize profits earned by South African companies operating in Nigeria and use the funds to compensate Nigerians whose businesses were looted, shops burnt and loved ones killed during the attacks.

“Following comments by a South African minister to the effect that compensation will not be paid to those Nigerians whose properties were looted, shops burnt and even lives taken, the Government of Nigeria should reciprocate by appropriating the profits from South African companies operating in Nigeria, including their banks, and use the money to compensate Nigerians,” the senator said.

Responding during the debate, the Senate President Godswill Akpabio cautioned against rushing to conclusions, noting that the remarks attributed to the South African minister should be carefully examined in context.

He explained that the minister had reportedly stated that people occupying illegal settlements without legal titles would not receive compensation. In contrast, those with valid property titles would retain ownership despite being displaced.

Nevertheless, the Senate President condemned the attacks, describing the actions of violent groups targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals as unacceptable and inconsistent with civilised conduct.

He stressed that no protest should be used as a cover for intimidation, looting or the killing of innocent people.

The Senate President urged lawmakers to allow the Foreign Affairs Committee to complete its investigation before making further decisions, expressing confidence in the committee’s ability to conduct a thorough review.

The Senate subsequently mandated the committee to present its findings within two weeks to enable the chamber to consider additional measures.

He also commended the Federal Government, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu for maintaining regular contact with Nigerians in South Africa and providing support to those affected by the attacks.

The Senate President further urged the South African government to address the underlying causes of the recurring xenophobic violence, warning that continued attacks on foreign nationals could expose the country to international legal action.

He noted that affected countries could explore seeking redress through international legal mechanisms if the violence persists, while urging South Africa to take decisive steps to protect lives and property within its borders.