‎By Ahmed Akanbi

‎The Senate, on Tuesday, urged President Bola Tinubu to take urgent action over the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

‎The upper chamber asked the Federal Government to obtain written assurances from Pretoria on the safety of Nigerians, following the expiration of a June 30 ultimatum issued by anti-migrant groups.

‎The resolution was passed after a motion on ‘The need to halt the recurring pattern of xenophobic attacks and intimidation against Nigerians and other African nationals in the Republic of South Africa’ sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC Cross River South).

‎The Senate noted that the expired ultimatum triggered fear, demonstrations, displacement and attacks on foreign-owned businesses and homes across parts of South Africa.

‎It observed that the attacks had extended beyond undocumented migrants to Nigerians and other foreigners holding valid residence, work and immigration permits.

‎“While Nigeria recognises South Africa’s sovereign right to enforce immigration laws, such enforcement must be undertaken exclusively by authorised state institutions and in accordance with the rule of law and human dignity,” the Senate resolved.

‎The lawmakers recalled Nigeria’s historical support for South Africa during apartheid, including diplomatic, financial and material assistance, hosting the 1977 World Conference against Apartheid, and sanctions under General Olusegun Obasanjo against firms linked to the apartheid regime.

‎They expressed concern that Nigerian-owned businesses in South Africa had been attacked, looted or abandoned, while South African companies like MTN and DStv continue to operate freely in Nigeria. The Senate said Nigeria had chosen restraint and rejected reprisals.

‎The Senate urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa to demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of violence, intimidation, looting and unlawful immigration enforcement.

‎It also directed the ministry, NiDCOM and the High Commission to strengthen emergency consular services and compile a verified register of Nigerians who suffered death, injury, displacement, unlawful detention or property loss, to pursue legal redress and compensation.

‎The chamber further urged President Tinubu to work with other affected African countries and the African Union to establish an early-warning and accountability mechanism to prevent future xenophobic violence.

‎It mandated the Senate Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora and NGOs to review the implementation of its 5 May 2026 resolutions and report back within two legislative weeks.

‎In his contribution, Senator Abdul Ningi, (APC Bauchi Central), said “talking and lamenting will not help. Let us sever relations with South Africa. There must be action.”

‎Senator Babangida Hussaini, (APC Jigawa North West), said Nigeria’s foreign policy must be strengthened to deal with the attacks, while Senator Adams Oshiomhole called on President Tinubu to nationalise South African interests like MTN, Stanbic IBTC and MultiChoice and use proceeds to compensate victims.

‎Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Monguno, (APC Borno North), and other lawmakers also condemned the attacks and demanded concrete government action to protect Nigerians in South Africa.