By Nathaniel Zaccheaus
The Senate on Tuesday rejected calls for the nationalisation of South African-owned companies operating in Nigeria, including MTN Nigeria and MultiChoice Nigeria, opting instead for diplomacy as tensions rise over renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
Rather than endorse economic reprisals, lawmakers resolved to press the Federal Government to secure firm written guarantees from South African authorities on the safety and protection of Nigerians residing in the country.
The Senate also demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for attacks, intimidation, looting and violence directed at Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
The resolutions followed a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who raised alarm over a fresh wave of anti-foreigner hostilities after a June 30 ultimatum, reportedly issued by vigilante groups, ordering foreign nationals to leave South Africa, expired.
Lawmakers further directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in South Africa to strengthen emergency consular assistance and compile a verified register of affected Nigerians to support compensation claims and legal action against perpetrators.
During the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole proposed that profits earned by South African firms operating in Nigeria should be used to compensate victims if the South African government failed to provide restitution.
The proposal, however, did not secure the backing of the Red Chamber, which chose to avoid measures that could trigger diplomatic or economic retaliation.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, urged restraint despite widespread anger over the attacks.
“Nobody in this chamber is happy with what is happening in South Africa. However, we also need to exercise caution,” he said.
The Senate subsequently mandated its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora to submit a report within two weeks detailing actions already taken and recommending additional measures to protect Nigerians and strengthen diplomatic engagement with South Africa.
