By Tekena Amieyeofori
The Senate has warned that Nigeria may reassess its diplomatic ties with South Africa if fresh xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians persist.
The warning came during Tuesday’s plenary following a motion by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong on an alleged June 30, 2026 ultimatum issued to Nigerians resident in South Africa. Lawmakers described the development as a direct threat to the lives and livelihoods of Nigerian citizens abroad.
Senators condemned the reported assaults on Nigerians and destruction of their businesses, and urged the Federal Government to demand firm commitment from South African authorities for the protection of Nigerians.
Senator Salihu Mustapha pushed for a tougher stance, saying Nigeria should stop keeping quiet while its citizens are attacked.
“We cannot continue to fold our arms while Nigerians are being killed and their businesses looted,” he said.
He added: “This is the starting point for a very robust engagement. I suggest we sever all diplomatic relations with South Africa.”
Former Senate Leader Yahaya Abdullahi, however, advised against immediate drastic measures. He argued that the violence may be part of a broader plot to destabilize South Africa’s government instead of isolated xenophobic incidents. According to him, “this is a coordinated effort to destabilise the government of South Africa and to remove the ruling party, the ANC, from office.”
He urged Nigeria to “tread with great caution” in responding to the situation.
After debate, the Senate mandated the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, to secure written assurances from Pretoria on the safety of Nigerians. It also demanded the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of the attacks.
Lawmakers further directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, and the Nigerian High Commission to compile records of all Nigerians killed, injured, displaced, unlawfully detained or whose property was destroyed, with a view to seeking compensation.
The upper chamber also called on the Federal Government to collaborate with the African Union and other affected African nations to set up an early warning system and accountability framework to prevent future xenophobic violence.
Additionally, the Senate instructed its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs to review compliance with previous resolutions on xenophobic attacks and submit a report within two legislative weeks.