The House of Representatives has a condemned the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, and called on the Federal Government to mount stronger diplomatic pressureÂ
The House of Representatives on Thursday condemned the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, calling on the Federal Government to mount stronger diplomatic pressure on Pretoria while rejecting proposals to immediately suspend diplomatic relations between both countries.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Rep. Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau), who decried what he described as persistent violence, unlawful arrests, extrajudicial killings and persecution of Nigerians living in South Africa.
Presenting the motion during plenary, Rep. Gagdi lamented that recurring xenophobic attacks had continued to claim innocent lives, destroy businesses and force many Africans to flee their homes despite years of diplomatic engagements between Nigeria and South Africa.
He said recent reports indicated a fresh escalation of attacks targeting Nigerians as well as citizens of Ghana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi and other African countries legally residing in South Africa.
According to the lawmaker, the Nigerian government recently confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians, including one who reportedly died in the custody of the South African Police Service and another allegedly murdered outside his business premises.
He argued that the latest incidents showed Nigerians remained vulnerable despite repeated assurances by the South African government that foreign nationals would be protected.
Recalling Nigeria’s pivotal role in the anti-apartheid struggle, Rep. Gagdi noted that successive governments committed significant diplomatic, financial and humanitarian resources to South Africa’s liberation in the spirit of African solidarity.
“It is therefore profoundly disturbing that Nigerians and other Africans are now facing persecution, humiliation and violent attacks in the very country whose freedom Nigeria helped to secure,” he said.
He warned that the attacks had become systematic and increasingly deadly, blaming the situation on the failure to bring perpetrators to justice.
Gagdi also criticised inflammatory remarks allegedly made by a South African minister, saying they were capable of fueling hostility against Nigerians and other African nationals.
According to him, the attacks undermine the ideals of African unity, Pan-Africanism and regional integration upon which the African Union was founded.
He cited Section 19 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates Nigeria to promote African integration and international cooperation, alongside provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guaranteeing the rights to life, dignity, equality and freedom from discrimination.
He further warned that continued attacks could strain diplomatic relations, weaken regional institutions and erode confidence in African governments’ commitment to human rights and the rule of law.
Lawmakers differ on diplomatic response
Contributing to the debate, co-sponsor of the motion, Rep. Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo), recalled that the House had adopted a similar motion on May 5, after which the Federal Government facilitated the voluntary evacuation of hundreds of Nigerians from South Africa.
He disclosed that about 856 of nearly 1,000 Nigerians who registered for evacuation had already returned home.
While commending the intervention, Osawaru argued that the latest killings showed South Africa’s security agencies had failed to protect foreign nationals.
“We have engaged diplomatically, but it looks like Nigeria is being undermined. This is no longer a time for endless discussions. Other African countries are already taking decisive steps. Nigeria must also act,” he said.
He proposed that Nigeria suspend political, diplomatic and parliamentary engagements with South Africa, including trade, investment and economic diplomacy, until concrete measures were taken to end the attacks.
However, the proposal failed to secure the support of the House.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, cautioned against taking such a drastic step without first establishing the facts through a proper investigation.
“We cannot suspend diplomatic relations now until we carry out our investigation and establish the facts,” Rep. Kalu ruled.
The proposal was subsequently rejected by a majority of lawmakers through a voice vote.
Ghali Tijani (APC, Kano) also advocated severing diplomatic ties with South Africa until justice was secured for Nigerian victims, insisting the recurring attacks required stronger action beyond routine condemnations.
On his part, Rep. Jesse Onuakalusi (NDC, Lagos) urged the Federal Government to explore legal remedies under international law by compiling records of Nigerians killed in South Africa and seeking redress through international judicial institutions.
He also suggested recalling Nigeria’s ambassador and reviewing commercial relations with South Africa, arguing that while Nigerians continued to suffer attacks, South African companies were making substantial profits from the Nigerian market.
Kayode Akiolu (APC, Lagos) criticised South Africa for failing to appreciate Nigeria’s historic contributions to ending apartheid.
He recalled that Nigerians made financial contributions to the anti-apartheid struggle and said South Africans should be reminded of those sacrifices.
Rather than severing diplomatic ties, Rep. Akiolu recommended inviting South Africa’s diplomatic representatives in Nigeria to explain steps being taken to protect Nigerians.
Similarly, Rep. Etanabene Benedict (Delta) urged caution, advising the government to rely on diplomacy and international law instead of taking hasty retaliatory measures.
He suggested recalling Nigeria’s ambassador to South Africa and summoning South Africa’s envoy in Abuja as a stronger diplomatic signal while keeping channels of engagement open.
House resolutions
Following the debate, the House unanimously condemned the recurring xenophobic attacks, extrajudicial killings, unlawful detention and persecution of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
Lawmakers urged the Federal Government to summon South Africa’s High Commissioner to explain the recent killings and clarify Pretoria’s commitment to protecting Nigerians and other African nationals.
The House also called on the Federal Government to demand an independent, transparent and internationally monitored investigation into the killings to ensure those responsible are identified, prosecuted and punished.
It further urged Nigeria to engage the African Union, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the United Nations and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to strengthen protection for African nationals living in South Africa.
The lawmakers also called for improved consular services, legal assistance, emergency evacuation arrangements and reintegration programmes for affected Nigerians, while urging that victims be adequately compensated to enable them rebuild their lives upon returning home.
At the conclusion of proceedings, Rep. Kalu referred the matter to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs for further legislative action
