NASS Moves to Tackle Xenophobia, Plans South Africa Visit

The Senate has resolved to set up a joint ad hoc committee comprising members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives to address the increasing cases of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

The committee, which will be headed by the Chairman of the National Assembly, is expected to embark on a fact-finding and diplomatic mission to South Africa with the aim of identifying lasting solutions to the crisis.
As part of its assignment, the delegation will visit the South African Parliament to formally communicate Nigeria’s strong displeasure over the reported incidents.
In addition, the Senate will write to the Speaker of the South African Parliament and invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs to brief lawmakers on the outcomes of diplomatic engagements.
The upper chamber also adopted a resolution sponsored by Senator Simon Lalong, calling for a review of agreements reached during the 2019 bilateral meeting between Nigeria and South Africa to ensure proper implementation.
Meanwhile, Senator Adams Oshiomhole suggested the withdrawal of operational licenses of South African companies such as MTN and DSTV in Nigeria, but the proposal was rejected on procedural grounds.
In his remarks, the Senate President emphasized the need for diplomatic engagement in resolving the situation, stating that economic retaliation against businesses would not be the preferred option. He affirmed that the Senate considers the attacks serious and will handle the issue with urgency.
The resolutions followed a motion of urgent national importance moved by Senator Bassey, titled: “Intensifying Xenophobic Persecution of Nigerians in South Africa and Ghana: A Call for Urgent National, Diplomatic and Humanitarian Action to Defend the Dignity, Safety and Honour of Nigerian Citizens.”
During deliberations, lawmakers were divided on whether to move the discussion to a closed-door session after Senator Aliero proposed it. However, Senator Ningi and others opposed the suggestion, insisting that the debate be held openly.
Lawmakers expressed concern not only about the physical attacks but also the growing atmosphere of fear, psychological trauma, and dehumanization experienced by Nigerians abroad. They noted that many Nigerians are increasingly being profiled and targeted because of their nationality.
The Senate later observed a minute of silence in honour of Nigerians who have lost their lives in the attacks in South Africa.