Nigeria’s National Assembly has approved the deployment of a high-level delegation to South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians, warning that tougher measures could follow if the violence persists.
The decision came after a heated Senate debate on Tuesday, during which lawmakers strongly condemned attacks on Nigerians in South Africa and Ghana, describing them as unacceptable and dangerous to regional stability.
The delegation, made up of members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, is expected to engage directly with South African authorities, including parliament, to demand stronger protection for Nigerians and accountability for those responsible for the attacks.
Lawmakers said the mission would also assess existing bilateral agreements between both countries, particularly commitments reached in previous diplomatic engagements, to determine the level of compliance and identify gaps in implementation.
Senators expressed concern over reports of deaths, injuries, and the destruction of property belonging to Nigerians, warning that the repeated attacks have created fear and uncertainty among citizens living abroad.
During the session, lawmakers insisted that continued attacks should attract consequences, stressing that Nigerians cannot remain vulnerable without a stronger response.
However, senators differed on the next course of action. Senator Adams Oshiomhole pushed for firmer measures, including possible sanctions such as restrictions on South African businesses operating in Nigeria, trade pressure, and a review of bilateral economic agreements if the attacks continue.
He argued that stronger action would compel South African authorities to act more decisively in protecting Nigerians.
In contrast, Senator Adamu Aliero urged caution, noting that diplomatic engagements were already ongoing through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and should be allowed to proceed without interference.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also called for restraint, maintaining that diplomacy remains Nigeria’s preferred path, even as the country retains the right to respond if necessary.
Lawmakers also recalled Nigeria’s historic support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, with Senator Victor Umeh describing the renewed attacks as a betrayal of longstanding solidarity.
The Senate further called on regional bodies, including ECOWAS and the African Union, to strengthen enforcement measures aimed at curbing xenophobic violence across the continent.
The session ended with a minute of silence in honor of Nigerians who lost their lives in the attacks, as lawmakers reaffirmed that the safety and dignity of citizens abroad remain non-negotiable.
