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There was a heated debate on Tuesday in the Senate when Senators Abdul Ningi and Adams Oshiomhole called for tough action against South Africa over xenophobic attacks in the country that have had a negative impact on many Nigerians.
Following initial contributions from senators on the issue, the debate became more heated when Senator Ningi proposed that President Bola Tinubu initiate the process of severing diplomatic relations with South Africa if the attacks continued.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) also suggested that Nigeria should take advantage of South African companies operating in the country, including financial institutions, and channel these funds to compensate victims of xenophobic attacks in Nigeria.
“We cannot allow our people to suffer while South Africa’s investments and profits are taken from it,” Oshiomhole argued. “The facts are clear. We don’t need any further investigation.”
However, Senate Deputy Leader Jibrin Barau, who chaired the session, urged restraint and persuaded the two senators to withdraw their proposal pending the results of the committee’s investigation.
“Let the Foreign Affairs Committee investigate it first,” said Barau. “Nigeria is leading in Africa. We need to lead by example. Once we have the right information, we can take action. If this report does not satisfy this assembly, then we will take the action you took.”
Ningi then agreed to withdraw his motion but insisted that it be officially recorded that he had moved the motion and that it was duly seconded.
Earlier, the Senate warned that Nigeria may review its diplomatic relations with South Africa if xenophobic attacks on Nigerians continue, while lawmakers condemned reports targeting Nigerian citizens and businesses.
The resolution follows 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 living in South Africa, describing it as a grave threat to their safety and livelihood.
The development comes amid renewed concerns over repeated xenophobic attacks in South Africa, which over the years have claimed the lives of several Nigerians, destroyed businesses and repeatedly soured diplomatic relations between the two countries.
During the plenary session, the senators called on the Federal Government to obtain firm assurances from the South African authorities to protect Nigerians while urging firm diplomatic engagement to prevent a recurrence of similar cases.
Speaking during the debate, Senator Salihu Mustapha (Kwara Central) urged the Federal Government to take a tougher stance.
He said, “We cannot continue to fold our arms while Nigerians are killed and their businesses looted.
“This is the starting point for a very strong relationship. I suggest we sever all diplomatic ties with South Africa.”
However, the Senate opted for a more cautious approach after former Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, warned that the attack could be part of a wider political agenda aimed at destabilizing the South African government.
Given his involvement with the Nigerian National Committee Against Apartheid and his support for liberation movements, including the African National Congress, SWAPO and FRELIMO, Abdullahi argued that this situation should not be viewed in isolation.
“This is a coordinated effort to destabilize the South African government and oust the ruling party, the ANC, from office.
“There are attempts by white South African right-wing groups and now emerging from black groups to delegitimize the government as quickly as possible. We must be careful and consider these conspiracies carefully,” he said.
The lawmaker also lamented the poor funding of Nigeria’s foreign missions, saying it had weakened the country’s ability to provide adequate protection for Nigerians abroad.
After 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 regarding the safety of Nigerian citizens and demand the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attack.
The Senate also directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, and the Nigerian High Commission to compile comprehensive records on Nigerians who have suffered death, injury, displacement, unlawful detention, or loss of property with the aim of obtaining legal redress and compensation.
The lawmakers further urged the Federal Government to work with other affected African countries and the African Union to establish early warning and accountability mechanisms to prevent future xenophobic attacks across the continent.
Additionally, the Senate mandated the Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs Committee to review the implementation of the 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 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 then referred to the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee for further investigation, with a mandate to submit its report within two weeks.
