The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday resolved to send a delegation of lawmakers to South Africa as part of diplomatic efforts towards finding a lasting solution to the attacks and killings of Nigerians in the country.
The resolution came after the adoption of a resolution condemning xenophobic attacks in South Africa, which was sponsored by Senator Annikan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North East.
The Senate agreed that the delegation would be a joint committee of both houses of the National Assembly and would be led by the Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The delegation is expected to dialogue with the leadership of the South African government and its parliament to end attacks on Nigerians.
Mr Akpabio announced the decision after it was supported by a majority of senators through voice vote. However, he did not specify when the delegation would travel.
The Senate President is the Speaker of the National Assembly of Nigeria.
This will be the second Nigerian delegation to South Africa since the recent wave of attacks began. Nigeria's Foreign Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is currently in South Africa along with other officials for diplomatic talks with the South African government.
The minister recently revealed that the Nigerian government is considering repatriating its citizens due to the violence. He also demanded a thorough investigation into the alleged killings.
Xenophobic attacks are nothing new in South Africa. Their history dates back to the early 2000s, with the most serious outbreak occurring in 2008, when many foreign nationals were killed and thousands displaced. Nigerians have often been targeted, along with immigrants from other African countries such as Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Somalia.
The violence is often motivated by a mixture of economic frustration, unemployment and anti-immigrant sentiment among some South Africans, who accuse foreign nationals of taking jobs, engaging in crime or dominating small businesses. These claims are widely disputed, but they periodically lead to violence, looting, and harassment.
Major waves of attacks were recorded in 2015 and 2019, leading to diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and South Africa. During those episodes, Nigerian-owned businesses were destroyed, and many Nigerians were killed, forcing the Nigerian government to evacuate hundreds of its citizens.
In response to past and ongoing attacks, the Nigerian government has consistently adopted diplomatic and protective measures. These include summoning South African envoys, engaging in bilateral talks and sending high-level delegations to reduce tensions.
Nigeria has also, at different times, repatriated affected citizens, notably during the 2019 crisis when the government collaborated with local airlines to facilitate the voluntary return of Nigerians from South Africa.
Additionally, both countries established mechanisms such as the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission to address recurring issues including the protection of civilians and economic relations.
Proposal
Introducing the resolution, Mr Bassey condemned xenophobic violence, including harassment, intimidation, harassment, displacement, destruction of businesses and property and threats to the lives of Nigerian and other African citizens.
He said the attacks have created fear, humiliation, psychological trauma and dehumanization, noting that Nigerians are increasingly being profiled and targeted.
The senator recalled Nigeria's role in supporting South Africa's liberation struggle against apartheid since the 1960s and stressed that Nigerians in all walks of life contributed to the country's fight for freedom and dignity.
Mr. Bassey argued that the violence violates international human rights principles and contradicts the provisions of the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement, the African Union Charter and other regional and international agreements guaranteeing human dignity and security.
He urged the Senate to condemn the attacks and called for the use of diplomatic and legal mechanisms, including summoning envoys where necessary.
He also recommended providing emergency humanitarian assistance, temporary shelter, evacuation assistance, legal representation, trauma care and improved communication channels for affected Nigerians.
Discussion
The majority of MPs who contributed to the debate supported the motion.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, called for the cancellation of licenses of South African companies operating in Nigeria.
Mr Oshiomhole specifically mentioned MTN Group and DStv, an entertainment company owned by MultiChoice Group, as companies whose licenses should be withdrawn.
He said Nigeria should adopt counter-economic measures instead of relying solely on diplomacy.
However, the senator representing Kebbi Central, Adamu Aliro, advised against public debate on the issue, noting that the federal government was already engaging South Africa diplomatically.
Also read: Xenophobia: Nigerian lawmakers condemn killings, call for evacuation of citizens from South Africa
Mr Aliero urged the Senate to prioritize diplomatic engagement rather than retaliatory action.
Other MPs, including Abdul Ninghi (Bauchi Central) and Osita Izunaso (Imo West), condemned the violence and encouraged continued diplomatic efforts.
In his response, Mr Akpabio said the National Assembly would not support measures targeting South African businesses but would instead pursue diplomatic solutions.
He said the matter could be escalated to international organizations and assured that MPs would also engage with the South African Parliament.