Senate Demands Safety Guarantees as Xenophobic Attacks Target Nigerians in SA

Nigerian senators have strongly condemned the resurgence of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa. The upper legislative chamber called on the federal government to secure explicit written guarantees from Pretoria regarding the safety of Nigerians and to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the violence.

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Many have reportedly been threatened, profiled, evicted or harassed by unauthorized vigilante groups. The indiscriminate targeting of foreign nationals, including lawful residents, demonstrates that this campaign goes beyond immigration enforcement and amounts to xenophobic hostility based on nationality and perceived foreign origin.

Lawmakers warned that Nigeria's long-standing commitment to African solidarity should not be perceived as weakness. They emphasized that the repeated intimidation, displacement, and attacks on Nigerians have escalated beyond immigration enforcement to outright xenophobic hostility. This sentiment was echoed by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who highlighted reports of fear, demonstrations, and violence following an ultimatum by anti-migrant groups for undocumented foreigners to leave by June 30, 2026.

Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno described the recurring attacks as an unfortunate cycle, while Senator Orji Uzor Kalu recalled Nigeria's sacrifices during the anti-apartheid struggle and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's efforts in facilitating evacuations. Senator Abdul Ningi argued that Nigeria's foreign policy should prioritize its citizens.

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The recurring attacks as an unfortunate cycle that resurfaced every one or two years.

In response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the Committee on Foreign Affairs to investigate the developments in South Africa and report back within two legislative weeks. He also appealed for a suspension of proposals for nationalizing South African businesses or severing diplomatic ties, pending the committee's findings.

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Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to African solidarity should not be mistaken for weakness, insisting that the repeated intimidation, displacement, unlawful profiling and attacks on Nigerians had gone beyond immigration enforcement and now amounted to outright xenophobic hostility.