The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to adopt stronger diplomatic measures against South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks, extrajudicial killings and the alleged persecution of Nigerians and other African nationals living in the country.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved during Thursday’s plenary by the member representing Kanke/Kanam/Pankshin Federal Constituency of Plateau State, Yusuf Gagdi.
The session was presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Presenting the motion titled, “Need for the Federal Government of Nigeria to Immediately Respond to the Escalating Xenophobic Attacks, Extrajudicial Killings and Systematic Persecution of Nigerians and Other African Nationals in the Republic of South Africa,” Gagdi said Nigeria could no longer remain silent over the repeated attacks on its citizens despite years of diplomatic engagement with Pretoria.
He said the House was aware that South Africa had experienced repeated waves of xenophobic violence targeting Nigerians and other African nationals, leading to deaths, destruction of businesses, unlawful arrests, displacement and widespread fear.
The lawmaker also noted reports of a fresh wave of attacks affecting Nigerians, Ghanaians, Zimbabweans, Zambians, Mozambicans, Malawians and other African nationals legally residing in South Africa.
According to him, the Federal Government had confirmed the recent deaths of two Nigerians, including one who reportedly died in police custody and another who was killed in front of his business premises.
Gagdi said the incidents highlighted the continued vulnerability of Nigerians despite several diplomatic efforts between both countries.
He recalled Nigeria’s leading role in the struggle against apartheid, stressing that the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa was both regrettable and unacceptable.
According to him, Nigeria made significant diplomatic, financial and humanitarian contributions to the anti-apartheid campaign, while many Nigerians made personal sacrifices in support of South Africa’s liberation.
“It is, therefore, profoundly disturbing that Nigerians and other Africans now face persecution, humiliation and violent attacks in a country whose freedom they helped secure,” he said.
Gagdi expressed concern that xenophobic violence had become increasingly frequent and deadly despite repeated assurances by the South African government to safeguard foreign nationals.
He also lamented that perpetrators often escaped justice, thereby encouraging a culture of impunity.
The lawmaker further criticised alleged inflammatory comments made by a South African junior minister, describing them as capable of inciting hostility against Nigerians and worsening an already fragile security situation.
He warned that the continued attacks threatened the ideals of African unity, regional integration and peaceful coexistence upon which the African Union was founded.
According to him, the inability of South African authorities to decisively address the recurring attacks could further endanger the lives and property of Nigerians while weakening confidence in regional institutions established to protect African citizens.
Contributing to the debate, Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo) urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic engagement with South Africa to end the attacks.
He accused South African security agencies of failing to act despite the continued violence against Nigerians.
Lagos lawmaker Moshood Akiolu also recalled Nigeria’s contributions to ending apartheid, saying the resources committed to South Africa’s liberation could have been used for domestic development.
He urged the National Assembly to invite officials of the South African High Commission in Nigeria to explain the steps being taken to protect Nigerians living in the country.
Similarly, Ghali Tijjani from Kano called for tougher measures against Pretoria, arguing that Nigeria should not continue normal diplomatic and economic relations with a country that had failed to stop the killings of Nigerians within its borders.
Adebayo Adepoju, representing Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North Federal Constituency of Oyo State, advocated seeking international legal redress for victims while calling for support to help affected Nigerians rebuild their lives.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Federal Government to summon the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria to explain the recent killings and clarify South Africa’s position on protecting Nigerians and other African nationals.
The lawmakers also called for an independent, transparent and internationally monitored investigation into the deaths of the affected Nigerians and other African victims to ensure those responsible are prosecuted.
They further urged the Federal Government to engage the African Union, the Southern African Development Community, the United Nations and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to ensure accountability and strengthen the protection of African migrants in South Africa.
The House also called on the government to explore all available diplomatic and legal options to seek redress for violations of Nigeria’s international rights, including pursuing appropriate judicial action where necessary.
In addition, lawmakers urged the Federal Government to review bilateral relations with South Africa and, where necessary, suspend or recalibrate aspects of cooperation until credible guarantees are provided for the safety of Nigerians and other African nationals.
The House further called for improved consular services, legal assistance, emergency evacuation arrangements and reintegration support for Nigerians willing to return home.
It also resolved to establish an ad hoc committee to engage the South African Parliament, the South African government, the African Union and other relevant institutions, investigate the recurring attacks and report its findings within 21 days.
Xenophobic attacks in South Africa have remained a recurring source of diplomatic tension between Nigeria and South Africa for more than a decade, with major outbreaks in 2008, 2015 and 2019 resulting in deaths and the destruction of businesses owned by foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
Despite repeated assurances by South African authorities, concerns over the safety of migrants and the prosecution of perpetrators have continued to persist.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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