The Senate has warned that Nigeria may review its diplomatic relationship with South Africa if renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians continue.
The warning followed a motion moved by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong over an alleged June 30, 2026, ultimatum issued to Nigerians living in South Africa.
Lawmakers described the development as a serious threat to the safety and livelihoods of Nigerians in the country.
During Tuesday’s plenary, senators condemned the reported attacks on Nigerians and their businesses and urged the Federal Government to seek firm guarantees from the South African authorities for the protection of Nigerian citizens.
Senator Salihu Mustapha called for a stronger response, saying Nigeria should no longer remain silent while its citizens were being attacked.
“We cannot continue to fold our arms while Nigerians are being killed and their businesses looted.”
He added: “This is the starting point for a very robust engagement. I suggest we sever all diplomatic relations with South Africa.”
However, former Senate Leader Yahaya Abdullahi advised against taking immediate drastic action. He argued that the attacks could be linked to efforts to destabilise South Africa’s government rather than being isolated incidents.
According to him, “this is a coordinated effort to destabilise the government of South Africa and to remove the ruling party, the ANC, from office.”
He also urged Nigeria to “tread with great caution” while considering the situation.
After deliberations, the Senate directed 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 on the safety of Nigerians. It also demanded the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks.
Lawmakers further instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and the Nigerian High Commission to document all cases involving Nigerians who were killed, injured, displaced, unlawfully detained or whose properties were destroyed, with the aim of seeking compensation.
The Senate also called on the Federal Government to work with the African Union and other affected African countries to establish an early warning system and accountability mechanism to prevent future xenophobic attacks.
In addition, the Senate directed its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs to review the implementation of its earlier resolutions on xenophobic attacks and report back within two legislative weeks.
