Lawmakers call for urgent protection of Nigerians in South Africa, Ghana amid rising violence

The Nigerian Senate has strongly condemned the ongoing xenophobic attacks, persecution, and intimidation of Nigerians in South Africa and Ghana, describing the incidents as “barbaric, unlawful, and inconsistent with African brotherhood.

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The position followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Aniekan Akpan (Akwa Ibom North East) and co-sponsored by Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West) during plenary. The motion expressed deep concern over what it termed the “advocacy of fear, humiliation and psychological trauma,” noting that Nigerians are “increasingly profiled and treated as though being a Nigerian national alone constitutes an offence.”
Lawmakers observed that the South African government had publicly acknowledged the situation and pledged to restore order, which, according to the Senate, “confirms the seriousness and contemporary nature of the incidents.”
Recalling Nigeria’s contributions to South Africa’s liberation struggle, Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) stated that “Nigerian workers, students, civil servants, and market women stood at the forefront from the 1960s to the 1990s, sacrificing financial resources and diplomatic goodwill for the liberation and dignity of South Africans.”
The Senate maintained that the attacks violate international human rights principles and breach ECOWAS protocols on free movement, the African Union Charter, and other regional frameworks that guarantee dignity and protection of persons.
“These attacks offend the conscience of civilized nations,” the Senate resolution declared, adding that “no individual, whether in authority or not, is above the law, and no citizen is beneath its protection.”
Senators lamented the consequences of the recurring violence, citing loss of lives, destruction of long-standing businesses, displacement of families including children and the elderly, severe psychological trauma, and the erosion of dignity and security.
Despite repeated diplomatic assurances from the affected countries, the Senate decried the absence of accountability, deterrence, prosecution of offenders, and lasting protection for victims. It warned that such lapses “entrench a culture of impunity and embolden further xenophobic violence.”
The chamber cautioned that failure to act decisively could “trigger retaliatory tensions, diplomatic strains, regional instability, and deterioration of inter-African relations,” undermining continental unity.
In a six-point resolution, the Senate urged the Federal Government to immediately initiate high-level diplomatic engagement with South Africa and Ghana to safeguard Nigerians and secure enforceable assurances against future attacks.
It also called for a full, transparent, credible, and independent investigation into all reported incidents, insisting that perpetrators and their sponsors be identified, arrested, prosecuted, and punished.
The lawmakers further requested the development of a comprehensive protection framework for Nigerians in the diaspora. This, they said, should include early warning systems, diaspora coordination centres, strengthened legal and diplomatic support, and clear evacuation procedures.
Additionally, the Senate advocated for stronger enforcement and accountability measures within ECOWAS and the African Union to deter xenophobia through coordinated diplomatic and legal actions across the continent.
For victims, the Senate recommended emergency humanitarian assistance, temporary shelters, evacuation support where necessary, legal aid, trauma care services, and improved communication channels through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies.
To ensure proper oversight, the Senate mandated its Committee on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs to conduct a fact-finding investigation into the recurring attacks.
The Senate President, while referring the matter, directed the committee chaired by Senator Aniekan Akpan to engage affected Nigerians, liaise with diplomatic missions and international partners, and report back to the Senate.
Reaffirming its stance, the Senate stressed that “the safety and dignity of Nigerians abroad remain non-negotiable,” calling for urgent and coordinated efforts to end the cycle of violence and impunity.
During deliberations, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) warned of possible economic repercussions, suggesting that Nigeria could consider revoking the licenses of South African businesses such as MTN and DStv if attacks persist. He urged lawmakers to adopt firm measures, stating that decisive action would compel compliance.
However, Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) advised caution, emphasizing the importance of reciprocity in international relations. He acknowledged Nigeria’s longstanding support for South Africa while urging that Nigerians abroad must operate within the laws of their host countries.
Aliero further disclosed that diplomatic efforts were already underway, noting that Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs was in South Africa engaging authorities on the matter. He cautioned against premature legislative action and recommended allowing ongoing diplomatic processes to run their course given the gravity of the issue.