Senate warns South Africa over xenophobic attacks, ordering a fresh probe and demanding guarantees for Nigerians’ safety amid rising tensions

Nigeria’s Senate on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in Abuja, warned that the country could review its diplomatic relations with South Africa if renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians continue, while ordering a fresh investigation into reported threats and attacks targeting Nigerian citizens and businesses.

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Senate President Godswill Akpabio presided over the plenary session where lawmakers condemned reports of renewed hostility towards Nigerians living in South Africa and called for stronger diplomatic measures to protect citizens abroad.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, who drew attention to an alleged June 30, 2026 ultimatum issued to Nigerians residing in South Africa. The senator described the development as a serious threat to the safety, livelihoods and businesses of Nigerians in the country.

The Senate’s position reflects longstanding concerns over xenophobic incidents in South Africa, where Nigerians and other African nationals have previously reported attacks, property losses and discrimination, creating repeated diplomatic tensions between both nations.

During the debate, Senator Salihu Mustapha of Kwara Central called for a firmer response from the Federal Government, warning that Nigeria should not ignore attacks against its citizens.

“We cannot continue to fold our arms while Nigerians are being killed and their businesses looted,” Mustapha said. “This is the starting point for a very robust engagement. I suggest we sever all diplomatic relations with South Africa.”

However, former Senate Leader Senator Yahaya Abdullahi urged caution, suggesting that the situation required deeper investigation before major diplomatic decisions were taken.

Abdullahi, who recalled Nigeria’s historic role in supporting liberation movements during the apartheid era, argued that the attacks could be linked to broader political tensions within South Africa.

“This is a coordinated effort to destabilise the government of South Africa and to remove the ruling party, the ANC, from office,” he said.

The Senate eventually adopted four resolutions directing the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, to seek written assurances from South African authorities on the protection of Nigerians.

Lawmakers also demanded that individuals responsible for attacks should be identified, arrested and prosecuted.

The Senate further directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and the Nigerian High Commission to compile records of Nigerians affected by xenophobic incidents, including those who suffered deaths, injuries, displacement, unlawful detention or property losses.

The lawmakers said the information would support possible legal action and compensation efforts for victims.

The Senate also called for collaboration with other African countries and the African Union to create an early warning and accountability system aimed at preventing future xenophobic attacks across the continent.

The matter was referred to the Senate Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs, which were instructed to review previous resolutions and bilateral agreements between Nigeria and South Africa before submitting a report within two legislative weeks.

The debate became heated when Senator Abdul Ningi proposed that President Bola Tinubu should begin steps towards cutting diplomatic ties with South Africa if the attacks persist.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole also suggested that Nigeria should consider measures involving South African businesses operating in Nigeria, arguing that profits from such companies could be considered when addressing compensation for victims.

“We can’t allow our people to suffer while South African investment and profit are being taken away here,” Oshiomhole said.

Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who chaired the session, appealed for restraint and urged lawmakers to await the outcome of the committee’s investigation.

“Let the Committee on Foreign Affairs investigate first,” Barau said. “Nigeria leads Africa. We need to lead by example. Once we have well-informed facts, we can take action.”

The Senate’s intervention comes as Nigeria balances its commitment to regional cooperation with concerns over the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad.

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Nigeria and South Africa have maintained significant economic and diplomatic ties for decades, despite periodic disagreements linked to migration, business interests and xenophobic attacks.