Nigeria’s House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to adopt tougher diplomatic measures against South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks, alleged extrajudicial killings and what lawmakers described as the systematic persecution of Nigerians and other African nationals living in the country.
The resolution, passed during Thursday’s plenary session, comes amid growing concern over recurring incidents of violence targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, a crisis that has repeatedly strained diplomatic relations between Africa’s two largest economies.
Lawmakers urged the Federal Government to engage South African authorities through all available diplomatic channels to ensure the protection of Nigerians and other African migrants, while demanding that those responsible for the attacks be identified, prosecuted and held accountable.
The House also expressed concern over what it described as the persistent failure to prevent repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence despite previous bilateral engagements between Abuja and Pretoria aimed at safeguarding the lives and property of foreign residents.
Members stressed that while Nigeria remains committed to African unity and regional cooperation, such commitment must be matched by concrete guarantees for the safety, dignity and fundamental human rights of its citizens abroad.
The latest parliamentary intervention underscores renewed pressure on the Federal Government to reassess its diplomatic engagement with South Africa as concerns mount over the welfare of Nigerians residing in the country.
Successive waves of xenophobic attacks in South Africa have, over the years, resulted in the deaths, displacement and destruction of businesses owned by Nigerians and other African migrants, prompting repeated calls for stronger action from Abuja to protect its citizens overseas.
