The Senate has warned that Nigeria may adopt retaliatory diplomatic measures against South Africa if renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians continue, while ordering a fresh investigation into the violence.
The upper chamber directed its relevant committees to investigate the incidents and submit their report within two legislative weeks. However, it rejected proposals to immediately sever diplomatic ties with Pretoria or seize the profits of South African companies operating in Nigeria, insisting that any far-reaching action should be based on the outcome of the probe.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, who raised concerns over a June 30, 2026 ultimatum allegedly issued to Nigerians and other Africans living in South Africa.
Lawmakers unanimously condemned the attacks and urged the Federal Government to secure firm assurances from South African authorities on the safety of Nigerians.
The Senate also directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria to demand the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks. It further mandated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the High Commission to compile a register of affected Nigerians to support compensation claims.
It also called for collaboration with the African Union and other African countries to establish an early warning system against xenophobic attacks.
During the debate, Senator Abdul Ningi proposed that President Bola Tinubu should begin the process of severing diplomatic relations with South Africa if the attacks persisted, while Senator Adams Oshiomhole suggested that profits made by South African companies operating in Nigeria be used to compensate victims.
However, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, rejected both proposals for now, stressing that Nigeria should act on verified facts rather than emotions.
Meanwhile, diplomatic tensions have also escalated between Ghana and South Africa after Ghana postponed a planned state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following the killing of a Ghanaian citizen, Bashiru Isak, during the latest anti-immigrant unrest.
While Ghana described the incident as an act of xenophobic violence and demanded justice, South Africa denied any connection between the death and the June 30 demonstrations.
As diplomatic efforts continued, the Federal Government pressed ahead with the voluntary evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the fourth Air Peace evacuation flight was scheduled to arrive in Lagos with 270 returnees, bringing the total number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa to 859.
