By Nathaniel Zaccheaus, Abuja
The National Assembly has stepped up efforts to curb the rising wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa and Ghana, announcing plans to dispatch a high-powered joint ad hoc committee to engage directly with South African authorities and seek lasting solutions to the crisis.
The move followed a resolution of the Senate on Tuesday after an extensive debate on the worsening plight of Nigerians abroad, with lawmakers warning that continued violence could strain diplomatic relations and undermine regional stability.
The ad hoc committee, comprising members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, is expected to embark on a fact-finding and diplomatic mission to South Africa, where it will meet with the South African Parliament and other key stakeholders to convey Nigeria’s displeasure over the attacks formally.
Lawmakers said the delegation would also review the implementation of resolutions reached during a 2019 bilateral engagement between Nigeria and South Africa, with a view to ensuring compliance and preventing a recurrence of such incidents.
The Senate further resolved to communicate with the Speaker of the South African Parliament ahead of the visit and to invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs to brief lawmakers on the federal government’s ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance on the “Intensifying Xenophobic Persecution of Nigerians in South Africa and Ghana,” which drew strong condemnation from across the chamber.
Describing the attacks as “barbaric and unacceptable,” the Senate decried what it called a disturbing pattern of violence, intimidation and profiling of Nigerians based solely on their nationality.
Lawmakers expressed concern over the growing climate of fear, psychological trauma and dehumanisation faced by Nigerians living abroad, noting that many have lost lives, businesses and sources of livelihood.
They warned that failure to act decisively could embolden perpetrators and deepen tensions between African nations.
“The sustained hostility not only endangers lives but also erodes the foundation of African unity and cooperation,” the Senate noted.
While acknowledging assurances from South African authorities to restore order, lawmakers insisted that concrete actions must follow, including the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
Debate on the floor reflected divergent views on how best to respond.
Some lawmakers canvassed tougher measures, including economic retaliation against South African companies operating in Nigeria, arguing that stronger action would compel compliance.
Others, however, urged restraint, stressing the need to allow ongoing diplomatic engagements to yield results.
They disclosed that the Minister of Foreign Affairs was already in South Africa to address the situation, cautioning against steps that could escalate tensions.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasised the importance of diplomacy, stating that while the attacks were unacceptable, engagement remained the most effective means of resolving the crisis.
He said the intervention of the National Assembly through the ad hoc committee would reinforce Nigeria’s position and complement efforts by the executive arm.
The Senate also recalled Nigeria’s historic role in the anti-apartheid struggle, noting that Nigerians made significant sacrifices to support South Africa’s liberation.
Lawmakers described the current attacks as a betrayal of that shared history and called for a renewed commitment to the ideals of African solidarity.
Beyond the planned visit, the Senate adopted a series of resolutions aimed at strengthening protection for Nigerians abroad.
It called on the federal government to initiate high-level diplomatic dialogue with South Africa and Ghana to secure firm guarantees for the safety of Nigerians.
The chamber also demanded a transparent and independent investigation into all reported cases of xenophobic violence, insisting that perpetrators must be brought to justice.
In addition, lawmakers advocated the establishment of a comprehensive protection framework for Nigerians in the diaspora, including early warning systems, emergency response mechanisms, legal support and evacuation plans where necessary.
They also urged regional bodies such as ECOWAS and the African Union to enforce stronger measures against xenophobia and ensure the protection of citizens across the continent.
For victims, the Senate called for urgent humanitarian assistance, including temporary shelter, trauma care and legal aid.
To ensure accountability, the Senate mandated its relevant committees to conduct a detailed investigation into the recurring attacks and report back with recommendations.
In a solemn moment, lawmakers observed a minute of silence in honour of Nigerians who have lost their lives in the attacks.
Reaffirming its position, the Senate declared that the safety and dignity of Nigerians worldwide remain paramount, expressing confidence that the joint ad hoc committee’s intervention will help stem the tide of violence and restore confidence in regional relations.
