The House of Representatives on Thursday urged the Federal Government to take decisive diplomatic action against South Africa following a fresh escalation of xenophobic attacks, extrajudicial killings, and the systematic persecution of Nigerians and other African nationals.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Yusuf Gagdi, the lawmaker representing the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau State.
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,” received unanimous support during plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Kalu emphasized that the continuous targeting of Nigerian lives and businesses in South Africa has reached a critical tipping point, requiring an immediate and unyielding response from the federal government to guarantee the safety of its citizens in the diaspora.
He said, “The House is aware that the Republic of South Africa has, over the years, witnessed repeated waves of xenophobic violence directed against Nigerians and other African nationals, resulting in the loss of innocent lives, destruction of businesses, unlawful arrests, forced displacement and widespread fear.”
He added, “Recent reports indicate a fresh escalation of attacks targeting Nigerians, Ghanaians, Zimbabweans, Zambians, Mozambicans, Malawians and other African nationals lawfully residing in South Africa.”
Additionally, the lawmaker further stated that, “The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed the recent killing of two Nigerian citizens, including one who reportedly died while in police custody and another who was brutally murdered in front of his business premises.”
According to him, “These tragic incidents have once again exposed Nigerians and other Africans to grave danger despite repeated diplomatic engagements between Nigeria and South Africa.”
Backstory…
The House of Representatives’ call follows weeks of renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African migrants in parts of South Africa.
The latest violence comes following looting of foreign-owned businesses looted, properties destroyed and several migrants assaulted by groups accusing foreigners of taking jobs and engaging in crime.
Videos circulating online have shown terrified victims fleeing their homes, while some Nigerians reportedly armed themselves in self-defence after repeated attacks on their communities.
The unrest has triggered widespread condemnation from across Africa, with the Nigerian government demanding stronger protection for its citizens and engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels.
Meanwhile, civil society groups and diaspora organisations have also urged the Federal Government to adopt tougher measures against Pretoria, arguing that repeated diplomatic protests have failed to stop the recurring attacks.
Consequently, lawmakers are aggressively pushing for rigid diplomatic sanctions and a fundamental review of bilateral relations. During the debate, some members went as far as demanding a temporary suspension of business permits for South African multinational companies operating within Nigeria until the host country implements verifiable measures to safeguard foreign nationals
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