Senate Seeks Stronger Action Over Attacks On Nigerians In South Africa

The Senate has asked the Federal Government to press South Africa for stronger protection of Nigerians after fresh concerns over xenophobic attacks and threats against foreign nationals.

Lawmakers debated the matter during Tuesday’s plenary and called for diplomatic action, written assurances from South African authorities and a clearer register of Nigerians who have suffered death, injury, displacement, detention or loss of property.

The motion was sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong of Cross River South. It followed reports of a June 30, 2026 ultimatum allegedly issued by vigilante groups to Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

Some senators pushed for a harder response. Senator Salihu Mustapha urged the government to take a tougher position, including a possible break in diplomatic relations if attacks continued.

The Senate, however, stopped short of backing calls for Nigeria to take over South African-owned businesses such as MTN and DStv. Vanguard reported that lawmakers rejected that option and instead asked the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic engagement.

The resolutions also asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and Nigeria’s High Commission in South Africa to strengthen emergency consular support for affected citizens.

Lawmakers directed the Senate committees on foreign affairs and diaspora and non-governmental organisations to review earlier Senate resolutions and report back within four weeks on what has been done.

Sources: Punch, Vanguard