By Daniel Ado
ABUJA — The Senate on Tuesday resolved to launch a comprehensive investigation into rising xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, as lawmakers also moved to establish a joint National Assembly ad hoc committee to probe the incidents and pursue diplomatic engagement.
The decision followed a motion of urgent national importance that highlighted renewed attacks on Nigerians and other Africans, prompting lawmakers to call for stronger diplomatic and humanitarian responses.
Under the resolution, the joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives is expected to embark on a fact-finding mission, including a visit to the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa to formally protest the attacks and seek lasting solutions.
Lawmakers also agreed that the delegation, to be led by the leadership of the National Assembly, would engage South African authorities directly, while the Senate will also communicate with the Speaker of the South African Parliament and invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs to brief lawmakers on diplomatic efforts.
The Upper Chamber further endorsed a review of agreements reached in a 2019 bilateral meeting between Nigeria and South Africa, insisting on full implementation of past commitments aimed at protecting citizens.
The motion, sponsored by Senator Osita Izunaso and presented by Senator Aniekan Bassey, also led to a minute of silence in honour of Nigerians killed in the attacks.
Lawmakers subsequently resolved to open high-level diplomatic talks with South Africa and Ghana, demand independent investigations into reported incidents, and ensure prosecution of perpetrators.
The Senate also called for the creation of a diaspora protection framework, including early warning systems, evacuation protocols, legal support structures, and emergency humanitarian response for affected Nigerians abroad.
In addition, the chamber mandated its Committee on Diaspora and NGOs to conduct a legislative inquiry into recurring xenophobic attacks and engage with victims, diplomatic missions, and international partners.
Oshiomhole calls for economic retaliation
In a heated contribution, Senator Adams Oshiomhole urged the Federal Government to consider retaliatory measures against South African businesses operating in Nigeria.
He specifically suggested possible sanctions against major firms such as MTN and Multichoice, arguing that Nigeria must respond firmly to repeated attacks on its citizens.
“If you hit me, I hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It is an economic struggle,” Oshiomhole said.
He added that Nigeria should no longer tolerate the killing of its citizens abroad, insisting that diplomatic responses must be backed by firm economic actions.
However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio cautioned against escalating tensions through retaliation, stressing that diplomatic engagement remains the preferred approach.
He noted that while the Senate is deeply concerned about the attacks, responses must be guided by national interest and international diplomacy.
Heated debate on the floor
The motion sparked a tense debate among lawmakers, with some Senators calling for closed-door deliberations, while others insisted on an open discussion.
Senators expressed concern not only about the physical attacks but also the growing psychological trauma, profiling, and displacement faced by Nigerians abroad.
Lawmakers warned that continued xenophobic violence, if unchecked, could strain diplomatic relations and undermine regional stability across Africa.
The Senate ultimately agreed on a multi-pronged response combining diplomacy, legislative inquiry, humanitarian support, and regional engagement to address the recurring crisis.
© 2026, Standard Focus. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from STANDARD FOCUS.