The House of Representatives has asked the Federal Government to carry out a broad review of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals.
The resolution was reached during Thursday’s plenary in Abuja after lawmakers unanimously adopted a motion sponsored by Rep. Yusuf Gagdi of the All Progressives Congress, Plateau State.
The House said Nigeria should consider suspending some aspects of its relationship with South Africa if the safety of Nigerians living in the country is not guaranteed.
Lawmakers also recommended a reassessment of specific areas of bilateral cooperation until South African authorities provide credible assurances on the protection of Nigerians and other African migrants.
While presenting the motion, Gagdi said recent reports pointed to a fresh wave of attacks against Nigerians, Ghanaians, Zimbabweans, Zambians, Mozambicans, Malawians and other African nationals legally residing in South Africa.
He warned that failure to confront the recurring violence could expose more Nigerians to danger and further threaten their lives and property.
According to him, continued inaction could encourage perpetrators, weaken public confidence in African regional institutions and undermine efforts to protect citizens across the continent.
Gagdi said the repeated attacks were capable of damaging diplomatic relations, economic cooperation and African integration.
He added that the killing of Nigerians abroad without proper accountability raises serious concerns about the commitment of African states to human rights, justice and the rule of law.
The House urged the Federal Government to immediately summon the South African High Commission in Nigeria for a full explanation on the killings and attacks.
Lawmakers said the South African envoy should clearly state the official position of the South African government on the safety of Nigerian citizens and other African nationals in the country.
The House condemned what it described as recurring xenophobic attacks, extrajudicial killings, unlawful detention and alleged persecution of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
It also called for an independent, transparent and internationally monitored investigation into the deaths of affected Nigerians and other African victims.
According to the lawmakers, such an investigation is necessary to identify, prosecute and punish those responsible for xenophobic violence.
The House further urged the Federal Government to use all lawful diplomatic and international mechanisms available to seek justice for victims.
It also called for stronger consular services, legal support, emergency evacuation arrangements and reintegration assistance for Nigerians affected by xenophobic violence in South Africa.
The lawmakers appealed to the African Union to demand that South Africa meet its obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other relevant international instruments.
They also urged African countries to consider lawful diplomatic measures against South Africa if xenophobic attacks and unlawful killings continue.
In his ruling, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu said South Africa should uphold the spirit of African unity, noting that the country had once promoted the “Bantu” idea of togetherness.
The House later observed a minute of silence in honour of Nigerians and other African nationals who have lost their lives to xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
