ABUJA — The Nigerian Senate has resolved to establish a joint ad hoc committee of the National Assembly to address the rising cases of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
The committee, comprising members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, will embark on a fact-finding and diplomatic mission to engage with South African authorities and seek lasting solutions to the crisis.
As part of its mandate, the delegation is expected to visit the South African Parliament to formally convey Nigeria’s displeasure over the reported attacks on its citizens.
The Senate also plans to write to the Speaker of the South African Parliament and invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs to brief lawmakers on ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Lawmakers further resolved to review agreements reached during the 2019 bilateral meeting between Nigeria and South Africa, with the aim of ensuring full implementation.
During deliberations, a proposal by Adams Oshiomhole to revoke the operational licences of South African companies such as MTN and DStv in Nigeria was declined on procedural grounds.
The Senate leadership emphasised that diplomatic engagement, rather than economic retaliation, remains the preferred approach to resolving the issue.
The resolutions followed a motion raised by Bassey, highlighting the urgent need for national, diplomatic, and humanitarian action to protect Nigerians abroad.
Lawmakers expressed concern over the increasing violence, psychological trauma, and targeting of Nigerians based on nationality. The Senate also observed a minute of silence in honour of victims of the attacks.
