By Emmanuel Onyedika
The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to undertake a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s bilateral relations with South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals.
The lawmakers also recommended that Nigeria consider suspending aspects of its diplomatic engagement with South Africa, where necessary, until credible guarantees are provided for the safety and protection of Nigerians living in the country.
The resolution followed the unanimous adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Yusuf Gagdi (APC–Plateau) during Thursday’s plenary session in Abuja. Leading debate on the motion, Gagdi cited reports of a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians, as well as citizens of Ghana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, and other African countries legally residing in South Africa.
He warned that failure to decisively address the recurring violence would continue to endanger lives and property while undermining confidence in regional institutions established to safeguard African citizens. According to him, the persistent attacks pose a serious threat to diplomatic ties, economic cooperation, and the broader goal of African integration.
“The continued killing of Nigerians abroad without adequate accountability diminishes confidence in the collective commitment of African states to uphold human rights, justice, and the rule of law,” Gagdi said.
The House called on the Federal Government to immediately summon the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria to provide a detailed explanation of the recent attacks and clarify the South African government’s position on protecting Nigerians and other African nationals.
The lawmakers strongly condemned the recurring xenophobic attacks, extrajudicial killings, unlawful detention, and what they described as systematic persecution of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa. They further resolved that Nigeria should demand an independent, transparent, impartial, and internationally monitored investigation into the deaths of Nigerians and other African victims to ensure accountability.
In addition, the House urged the Federal Government to explore all available diplomatic and lawful international avenues to seek justice for the victims, while also calling for stronger consular support for Nigerians in South Africa, including enhanced legal assistance, emergency evacuation plans, and reintegration programmes.
The lawmakers appealed to the African Union to ensure that South Africa fulfils its obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other relevant international agreements. They further urged AU member states to consider appropriate diplomatic and lawful measures against South Africa if the attacks and unlawful killings continue.
Delivering his ruling, Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Kalu said South Africa, a nation that once championed the “Bantu” philosophy of unity, should demonstrate that commitment through its actions. The House observed one minute of silence in honour of Nigerians and other African nationals who have lost their lives to xenophobic violence in South Africa.