Fresh Diplomatic Storm Looms As Senate Reacts To Attacks On Nigerians In South Africa

The Senate on Tuesday warned that Nigeria may reconsider its diplomatic relationship with South Africa if the reported wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians persists.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The warning followed a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, who drew the attention of lawmakers to reports of a June 30, 2026, ultimatum allegedly issued against Nigerians living in South Africa.

During plenary, senators condemned the reported attacks on Nigerian citizens and businesses, describing them as a serious threat to the safety, rights and livelihoods of Nigerians residing in the country.

Lawmakers called on the Federal Government to engage South African authorities and obtain firm assurances on the protection of Nigerian lives and property.

Contributing to the debate, Senator Salihu Mustapha said Nigeria could no longer remain passive while its citizens were allegedly being attacked and their businesses destroyed.

“We cannot continue to fold our arms while Nigerians are being killed and their businesses looted. This should mark the beginning of a robust engagement. I suggest we sever diplomatic relations with South Africa,” he said.

However, former Senate Leader Yahaya Abdullahi urged caution, arguing that the reported attacks could be part of a broader political effort to destabilise South Africa and weaken the country’s ruling African National Congress (ANC).

“This is a coordinated attempt to destabilise the South African government and remove the ANC from power,” Abdullahi said.

Following deliberations, the Senate directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa to seek formal assurances from the South African government regarding the safety and protection of Nigerians living in the country.

The upper chamber also urged the Federal Government to press South African authorities to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible for attacks on Nigerians.

In addition, lawmakers directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa to compile comprehensive records of Nigerians who have reportedly suffered death, injury, displacement, unlawful detention or loss of property, with a view to pursuing compensation for the victims.

The Senate further called on the Federal Government to work with the African Union (AU) and other African countries to establish an early warning and accountability framework aimed at preventing future xenophobic attacks across the continent.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole also proposed that profits generated by South African companies operating in Nigeria should be appropriated and used to compensate Nigerian victims of the attacks.

“We cannot continue to watch our people suffer while South African companies continue to make profits in Nigeria,” Oshiomhole said.

Presiding over the session, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau urged restraint, stressing that the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs should first conduct a thorough investigation before any far-reaching decisions are taken.

“Let the Committee on Foreign Affairs investigate the matter first. Nigeria is a leader in Africa, and we must continue to lead by example,” Barau said.

The Senate subsequently referred the matter to its Committee on Foreign Affairs, directing it to investigate the reports and submit its findings within two legislative weeks.