The House of Representatives has asked the Federal Government to take stronger diplomatic action against South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks and the reported killing of Nigerians, while 282 Nigerians returned home from the country on Thursday through an evacuation flight.
The lawmakers made the call during plenary in Abuja after adopting a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Yusuf Gagdi, who represents Kanke/Kanam/Pankshin Federal Constituency of Plateau State. The session was chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that 282 Nigerians, including 12 infants, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos aboard an Air Peace evacuation flight. The ministry said the aircraft landed at about 7:30 p.m., marking the fourth evacuation exercise from South Africa.
Presenting the motion, Gagdi said Nigeria could no longer remain silent over repeated attacks on its citizens despite years of diplomatic engagement with South Africa. He said recent incidents had again exposed Nigerians and other African nationals to violence, unlawful arrests, destruction of businesses and forced displacement.
He referred to reports that two Nigerians were recently killed, including one who reportedly died in police custody and another who was murdered in front of his business premises. He argued that these incidents showed that earlier promises by South African authorities to protect foreign nationals had not produced the desired results.
Gagdi also reminded the House of Nigeria’s contribution to the fight against apartheid, noting that the country invested enormous financial and diplomatic resources to support South Africa’s liberation. He said it was unfortunate that Nigerians now faced persecution in a country they once helped to free.
He expressed concern that xenophobic attacks had become more frequent and that those responsible often escaped punishment, creating an atmosphere of impunity. He also condemned reported remarks by a South African junior minister, saying such comments could worsen tensions and encourage hostility toward foreign nationals.
Several lawmakers supported the motion and called for stronger action.
Billy Osawaru urged the Federal Government to increase diplomatic pressure on South Africa, arguing that the repeated attacks continued despite ongoing discussions between both countries. He also questioned the role of South African security agencies in protecting foreign residents.
Moshood Akiolu recalled Nigeria’s sacrifices during the anti-apartheid struggle and called on the National Assembly to invite officials of the South African High Commission in Nigeria to explain what measures were being taken to safeguard Nigerians living in the country
Ghali Tijjani argued that Nigeria should review its diplomatic and economic relationship with South Africa if the attacks continued without meaningful action from the South African government.
Adebayo Adepoju also called for legal steps to seek justice for affected Nigerians and urged the government to provide support for returnees who would have to rebuild their lives after losing businesses and property.
Following the debate, the House asked the Federal Government to summon the South African High Commissioner to explain the recent killings and state the South African government’s position on the safety of Nigerians and other African nationals.
The lawmakers also requested an independent and internationally monitored investigation into the deaths of Nigerians and other African victims to ensure those responsible are identified and prosecuted.
In addition, the House urged the Federal Government to engage the African Union, the Southern African Development Community, the United Nations and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to ensure better protection for African migrants in South Africa.
The lawmakers further asked the government to use available diplomatic and legal channels to seek justice for Nigerians affected by the attacks and to review bilateral relations with South Africa if necessary until there are clear guarantees for the safety of Nigerians.
The House also called for stronger consular services, legal assistance, emergency evacuation plans and reintegration support for Nigerians returning from South Africa. It resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to engage the South African government, its parliament and relevant regional bodies, investigate the recurring attacks and report back within 21 days.
Xenophobic violence has remained a recurring source of tension between Nigeria and South Africa for more than a decade, with major outbreaks recorded in 2008, 2015 and 2019 that claimed lives and destroyed businesses owned by foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
Although South African authorities have repeatedly condemned the attacks and pledged to improve protection for migrants, concerns over the safety of foreign residents have continued.