We may severe economic ties over renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians — Senate tells S/Africa

The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday cautioned that Nigeria may reconsider its diplomatic ties with South Africa if the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians persists, as lawmakers strongly condemned the reported harassment of Nigerian citizens and the destruction of their businesses.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, who drew the attention of the Red Chamber to the June 30, 2026, ultimatum reportedly issued to Nigerians living in South Africa, describing it as a serious threat to their lives, safety and means of livelihood.

The latest development has revived concerns over repeated xenophobic attacks in South Africa, which have over the years resulted in the deaths of several Nigerians, the destruction of businesses and recurring diplomatic tensions between both countries.

During plenary, senators urged the Federal Government to obtain firm assurances from South African authorities on the protection of Nigerians while calling for stronger diplomatic efforts to prevent future attacks.

Contributing to the debate, Senator Salihu Mustapha (Kwara Central) called for a firmer response from the Federal Government.

“We cannot continue to fold our arms while Nigerians are being killed and their businesses looted,” he said.

“This is the starting point for a very robust engagement. I suggest we sever all diplomatic relations with South Africa.”

However, the Senate adopted a more measured position after former Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, cautioned that the attacks could be linked to a broader political agenda aimed at destabilising the South African government.

Drawing from his experience with Nigeria’s National Committee Against Apartheid and support for liberation movements such as the African National Congress, SWAPO and FRELIMO, Abdullahi argued that the incidents should be viewed within a wider political context.

“This is a coordinated effort to destabilise the government of South Africa and to remove the ruling party, the ANC, from office.

“There is an attempt from the right wing of the white South Africans and now coming up from the black ones to delegitimise the government as quickly as possible. We should tread with great caution and carefully consider this conspiracy,” he said.

He also decried the inadequate funding of Nigeria’s foreign missions, saying it had reduced the country’s ability to effectively protect Nigerians abroad.

Following deliberations, the Senate adopted four resolutions directing the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, to obtain written guarantees from the South African government on the safety of Nigerians and to demand the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks.

Lawmakers also directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and the Nigerian High Commission to compile a detailed record of Nigerians who had suffered death, injury, displacement, unlawful detention or property loss for the purpose of seeking legal redress and compensation.

The Senate further urged the Federal Government to collaborate with other affected African countries and the African Union to establish an early warning and accountability framework to curb future xenophobic attacks across the continent.

In addition, the Senate mandated its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs to review the implementation of its May 5, 2026 resolution on xenophobic attacks and previous bilateral agreements between Nigeria and South Africa, with a report expected within two legislative weeks.

The debate intensified when Senator Abdul Ningi proposed that President Bola Tinubu should begin the process of cutting diplomatic relations with South Africa if the attacks continued.

Similarly, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) suggested that Nigeria should appropriate the profits of South African companies operating in the country, including financial institutions, and channel the funds towards compensating Nigerian victims of xenophobic attacks.

“We can’t allow our people to suffer while South African investment and profit are being taken away here,” Oshiomhole argued. “The facts are self-evident. We don’t need further investigation.”

However, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, appealed for restraint and persuaded both senators to withdraw their proposals pending the outcome of the committee’s investigation.

“Let the Committee on Foreign Affairs investigate first,” Barau said. “Nigeria leads Africa. We need to lead by example. Once we have well-informed facts, we can take action. If this report is not satisfactory to this chamber, then we take the line you were taking.”

Ningi subsequently agreed to step down his motion but insisted that it should be officially recorded that he had moved it and that it was duly seconded.

Lawmakers also reflected on Nigeria’s historic contribution to the anti-apartheid struggle, stressing that while the country remained committed to supporting democracy and stability in South Africa, it must equally ensure the safety and protection of Nigerians living and working there.

The matter was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for further investigation, with a mandate to submit its report within two weeks.