The Senate on Tuesday warned that Nigeria could review its diplomatic relations with South Africa if renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians continue.
The warning followed a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, who drew attention to the June 30, 2026, ultimatum allegedly issued to Nigerians residing in South Africa.
Lawmakers condemned the reported targeting of Nigerian citizens and businesses, describing the development as a threat to their safety and livelihoods.
During plenary, senators urged the Federal Government to secure firm guarantees from South African authorities on the protection of Nigerians.
Senator Salihu Mustapha said Nigeria could no longer remain silent while its citizens were attacked.
“We cannot continue to fold our arms while Nigerians are being killed and their businesses looted.
“This is the starting point for a very robust engagement. I suggest we sever all diplomatic relations with South Africa,” he said.
However, former Senate Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi, urged caution, warning that the attacks could be part of a wider political agenda to destabilise South Africa.
“This is a coordinated effort to destabilise the government of South Africa and to remove the ruling party, the ANC, from office,” he said.
After deliberations, the Senate directed 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 asked the Federal Government to demand the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for attacks on Nigerians.
The Senate further directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Nigerian High Commission to compile records of Nigerians who suffered death, injury, displacement, unlawful detention or loss of property, with a view to seeking compensation.
Lawmakers also urged the government to work with the African Union (AU) and other affected African countries to establish an early warning and accountability mechanism against xenophobic attacks.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole proposed that Nigeria should appropriate profits of South African companies operating in the country and use them to compensate victims.
“We can’t allow our people to suffer while South African investment and profit are being taken away here,” he said.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, urged restraint and advised that the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs should first investigate the matter.
“Let the Committee on Foreign Affairs investigate first. Nigeria leads Africa. We need to lead by example,” Barau said.
The matter was referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, which was mandated to report back within two legislative weeks.
