Nigerian Senate Demands Action Over Xenophobic Attacks on Nigerians in South Africa
The Nigerian Senate has renewed calls for stronger diplomatic action to protect Nigerians living in South Africa following growing concerns over recurring xenophobic attacks, intimidation, unlawful profiling, and the destruction of businesses belonging to Nigerians and other African nationals.
The renewed push came after Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong sponsored a motion on Tuesday, July 7, urging the South African authorities to take immediate and decisive steps to halt the persistent attacks and ensure the safety of foreign nationals residing in the country.
The motion, which received unanimous support from members of the Senate, reflects increasing concern over repeated incidents in which Nigerians have reportedly been subjected to violence, forced evictions, harassment, and discrimination despite holding valid residence and work permits.
Speaking on the floor of the Senate, Senator Ekpenyong described the situation as deeply troubling, noting that the continued attacks stand in sharp contrast to the historical relationship between Nigeria and South Africa.
He recalled Nigeria’s significant role during South Africa’s struggle against apartheid, emphasizing that successive Nigerian governments and citizens made enormous sacrifices in support of the liberation movement.
According to the senator, Nigeria provided diplomatic backing, financial assistance, and moral support throughout the anti-apartheid struggle. The country also played a leading role in international campaigns calling for the release of the late Nelson Mandela and adopted bold economic measures in solidarity with South Africans during one of the nation’s most difficult periods.
“It is sad that despite the fact that Nigeria stood firmly with South Africa during its darkest years of apartheid, these attacks continue to persist,” Senator Ekpenyong stated.
He argued that the continued targeting of Nigerians is inconsistent with the spirit of African unity and cooperation championed by both countries over the decades.
The senator further expressed concern that many Nigerians who have complied with South African immigration laws and obtained valid documentation continue to face threats, intimidation, unlawful profiling, and destruction of their livelihoods.
He also pointed to what he described as an imbalance in the treatment of businesses operating in both countries. While South African-owned companies continue to conduct business freely and legally in Nigeria, many Nigerian-owned businesses in South Africa have reportedly suffered attacks, looting, vandalism, and forced closures.
According to him, such developments undermine the long-standing diplomatic and economic relationship between Africa’s two largest economies and threaten efforts aimed at promoting regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Following deliberations, the Senate unanimously adopted several resolutions designed to strengthen Nigeria’s response to the situation.
Among its resolutions, the Senate called on the Federal Government to formally engage the South African Government and demand firm assurances regarding the safety and protection of Nigerians living and working in the country.
Lawmakers also urged Nigerian diplomatic missions to strengthen emergency consular support services for citizens facing threats or emergencies in South Africa. This includes providing faster intervention, legal assistance, and support for affected individuals whenever necessary.
In addition, the Senate directed relevant government agencies to document the losses suffered by Nigerians affected by xenophobic attacks. The documentation is expected to serve as the basis for pursuing legal redress and appropriate compensation for victims whose businesses and properties have been destroyed.
The lawmakers further called on the Federal Government to work closely with the African Union to establish a sustainable continental framework that would strengthen the protection of African citizens living in other African countries and ensure accountability whenever violations occur.
Observers say the Senate’s position reflects growing frustration over the recurrence of xenophobic violence despite repeated diplomatic engagements between Nigeria and South Africa over the years.
Xenophobic attacks in South Africa have periodically sparked diplomatic tensions across the continent, with Nigerians often among those most affected. Previous outbreaks of violence have resulted in deaths, injuries, destruction of businesses, and the evacuation of some Nigerian citizens back home.
Successive Nigerian administrations have consistently condemned the attacks while urging South African authorities to prosecute perpetrators and strengthen protections for foreign nationals.
The latest Senate resolution is expected to reinforce ongoing diplomatic efforts while placing greater emphasis on accountability, compensation, and long-term preventive measures.
Analysts believe that beyond government-to-government engagement, stronger cooperation through regional institutions such as the African Union could help address the underlying causes of xenophobia and promote greater respect for the rights of Africans living across the continent.
For many Nigerians residing in South Africa, the Senate’s unanimous resolution offers renewed hope that their concerns will receive greater attention at both national and continental levels.
As diplomatic discussions continue, lawmakers stressed that the protection of Nigerian citizens abroad remains a constitutional responsibility of the Federal Government and called for sustained engagement to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of where they live within Africa, can live and work without fear of violence, discrimination, or intimidation.
