The Nigerian Senate has strongly condemned the recent wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, describing the incidents as barbaric, unacceptable, and a violation of human dignity and African solidarity.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance moved by Akpan Ekong, who drew attention to recurring violent attacks that have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property, and sustained persecution of Nigerians residing in South Africa. He urged urgent diplomatic and legislative intervention to prevent further escalation.
In the course of deliberations, lawmakers expressed deep concern over the renewed hostility, with calls for stronger action to protect Nigerian citizens abroad and ensure accountability from South African authorities.
Contributing to the debate, Adams Oshiomhole advocated for tougher measures, including possible sanctions against South African companies operating in Nigeria, and called for a comprehensive review of bilateral relations between both countries in response to the repeated attacks.
On his part, Ahmed Lawan urged a diplomatic approach, recommending sustained high-level engagement and recalling previous crisis-management strategies adopted during earlier administrations to defuse similar tensions.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, condemned the attacks in strong terms, stressing that such actions are inconsistent with the principles of African unity, mutual respect, and fundamental human rights.
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The upper chamber further proposed the constitution of a parliamentary delegation to engage the South African Parliament on legal and policy frameworks aimed at preventing future occurrences of xenophobic violence.
Lawmakers also observed a minute of silence in honour of victims who lost their lives in the attacks, as calls intensified for stronger protection mechanisms for Nigerians living abroad and more decisive international diplomatic action.
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