Senate Demands South Africa Guarantee Safety of Nigerians Amid Fresh Xenophobia Fears

The Senate on Tuesday called on the Federal Government to urgently secure formal assurances from the South African government on the safety and protection of Nigerians living in the country, following the expiration of a controversial June 30 ultimatum issued by an anti-migrant group.

The upper chamber also demanded the arrest and prosecution of individuals responsible for violence, intimidation, looting and unlawful actions targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.

The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled “Need to Halt the Recurring Pattern of Xenophobic Attacks and Intimidation Against Nigerians and Other African Nationals in South Africa,” sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC–Cross River) during plenary in Abuja.

Presenting the motion, Ekpenyong expressed deep concern over what he described as a renewed wave of xenophobic attacks, harassment and anti-foreigner vigilantism directed at Nigerians and other African migrants.

According to him, the situation escalated after an anti-migrant group issued an ultimatum ordering undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa by June 30, a move that reportedly triggered violence, displacement and attacks on businesses and homes owned by foreigners.

The lawmaker noted that the intimidation has not been limited to undocumented migrants but has also affected Nigerians and other foreign nationals who possess valid residence and work permits.

“Some lawful residents have reportedly been threatened, profiled, evicted and instructed to leave by unauthorised vigilante groups,” he said.

Ekpenyong argued that the indiscriminate targeting of foreigners, including those legally residing in South Africa, reveals a pattern of xenophobic hostility rather than legitimate immigration enforcement.

He reminded the Senate that Nigeria played a pivotal role in supporting South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle through diplomatic, financial and material assistance, including efforts that contributed to the eventual release of Nelson Mandela.

The senator also recalled that the Senate had, on May 5, condemned similar attacks and urged diplomatic engagement, protective measures and parliamentary intervention. However, he lamented that the situation had continued to deteriorate.

He disclosed that several Nigerian-owned businesses had been attacked, looted, shut down or abandoned due to threats, despite South African companies such as MTN and DStv continuing to operate successfully in Nigeria.

“Nigeria has consistently chosen the path of restraint, African solidarity and respect for the rule of law by rejecting retaliatory actions against South African nationals and businesses operating in the country,” he said.

Ekpenyong expressed disappointment that despite previous interventions, the voluntary repatriation of some Nigerians and the expiration of the June 30 deadline suggest that existing measures have failed to provide adequate protection or a lasting solution.

While acknowledging South Africa’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, he stressed that such actions must be carried out solely by authorised state institutions and in line with international human rights standards and the rule of law.

Contributing to the debate, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC–Borno) said Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements must remain focused on protecting the interests and welfare of its citizens abroad.

Senator Babangida Hussaini (APC–Jigawa) advocated stronger foreign policy measures to address recurring xenophobic attacks on Nigerians, while Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP–Bauchi) proposed a more drastic approach, urging Nigeria to sever diplomatic relations with South Africa as a strong signal of displeasure.

Following deliberations, the Senate unanimously condemned the recurring attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

Lawmakers further urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to strengthen emergency consular services and support systems for affected citizens.

The Senate also called for the compilation of a verified register of Nigerians who have suffered death, injuries, displacement, unlawful detention or loss of businesses and property, with a view to pursuing legal redress, compensation and restitution.

In addition, lawmakers urged the Federal Government to collaborate with other affected African countries and relevant organs of the African Union to establish effective early-warning systems and accountability mechanisms aimed at preventing xenophobic violence and protecting African migrants across the continent.

The Senate further directed its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, as well as Non-Governmental Organisations, to review the implementation of previous Senate resolutions and bilateral commitments between Nigeria and South Africa.

The committees were mandated to report back within two legislative weeks with details of actions taken, assurances received from South Africa and any outstanding measures required to safeguard Nigerians living in the country.