The Senate on Tuesday rejected calls to nationalise South African-owned businesses, including MTN and DStv, in retaliation for the ongoing xenophobic attacks on Nigerians, even as it strongly condemned the violence and urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic efforts to protect Nigerians in the country.
The discussion forms the second time in two months the attention of the Nigerian Senate is again drawn to xenophobic attacks on citizens in South Africa.
The Upper Chamber has also urged the federal government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, to obtain written assurances from the South African government regarding the protection of Nigerians following the expiration of the 30 June 2026 ultimatum and to demand the arrest and prosecution of all persons responsible for violence, intimidation, looting and unlawful immigration enforcement.
Resolutions of the Senate on Tuesday were a sequel to a motion titled “Motion on the Need to Halt the Recurring Xenophobic Attacks and Intimidation Against Nigerians and Other African Nationals in the Republic of South Africa”.
It was sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, APC, Cross River South.
The motion comes following a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals residing in the Republic of South Africa after the expiration of the June 30th deadline that was imposed on them to leave the country by vigilante groups.
The Senate has urged the federal government to ensure that perpetrators of these deadly acts are made to face the full wrath of the law, just as it has asked the government to secure written assurance about the safety of citizens from South Africa.
The Upper Chamber has also called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa to strengthen emergency consular arrangements and establish a verified register of Nigerians who have suffered death, injury, displacement, unlawful detention, or loss of businesses and property, with a view to facilitating legal redress, restitution and compensation.
It has further urged the federal government to engage other affected African countries and work through the African Union to establish an effective early warning, monitoring and accountability mechanism for xenophobic attacks and related violence across the continent.
The Senate has directed its committees on foreign affairs and diaspora and non-governmental organisations to review the implementation of the Senate’s resolutions of 5 May 2026 and previous Nigeria–South Africa engagements and report back to the Senate within four weeks on measures taken, assurances obtained, and outstanding actions required.
Rejection of calls on the federal government to sever ties with South Africa came from Senators Adams Oshiomhole, APC, Edo North and Abdul Ningi, Bauchi Central, and a call to nationalise South African businesses in Nigeria was raised by Senator Eshilokun Wasiu, APC, Lagos Central.
Senator Oshiomhole in his additional prayer said, “My name is Adams Oshiomhole, representing the good people of Edo North. I rise to move an amendment to the motion. I was alarmed by comments attributed to a South African minister suggesting that compensation would not be paid to Nigerians whose properties were looted, shops burnt, businesses destroyed, and lives lost during the recent xenophobic attacks.
“If indeed the South African government refuses to compensate affected Nigerians, it is proposed that the federal government of Nigeria should consider appropriating the profits made by South African companies operating in Nigeria, including their banks and other businesses, and use those funds to compensate Nigerian victims.”
“The ultimatum reportedly given to Nigerians to leave by June 30 was enforced by mobs while the South African government appeared unable to protect innocent people. We cannot allow Nigerians to suffer such losses and then use Nigerian taxpayers’ money to compensate them while South African businesses continue to make profits here.
“I therefore urge that the profits accruing to South African companies in Nigeria be appropriated and used to compensate Nigerians whose businesses were destroyed and whose loved ones were killed.
In stopping the prayer, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, APC, Kano North, who presided at the time, said, ‘Before we proceed, let me make one point.
“Nobody in this chamber is happy with what is happening in South Africa. The actions of violent groups attacking innocent people are completely unacceptable. Killing people in the name of protests cannot and should not be tolerated.
“However, we also need to exercise caution. As Senator Oshiomhole rightly noted, we should not rely solely on statements circulating on social media without proper verification.
“I watched the interview being referred to. The South African minister explained that people occupying illegal settlements without legal title would not receive compensation because they had no legal ownership. However, those with valid property titles would retain their ownership rights, regardless of whether they had been displaced.
“That explanation, however, does not excuse the failure to prevent innocent people from being displaced in the first place. If the South African government is facing internal security challenges or coordinated attempts to destabilise the country, then it should come out openly and tell the international community. We are fellow Africans, and whilst stabilising is required, we can always cooperate.
“For now, I appeal that we allow the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by your distinguished colleague and former governor, to complete its investigation before we take further decisions. Let the committee do its work and submit its findings.”
Senator Oshiomhole, interjecting, said, “Mr President, with profound respect, this matter was extensively debated about a month ago.
“Under your leadership, the Senate resolved that the Committee on Foreign Affairs should investigate the situation. You even suggested that a delegation be sent to South Africa.
“Respectfully, it should not appear that our previous decision must now await further opinion before action is taken. We should not continue to exercise caution until more Nigerians are killed.”
At this point, Barau Jibrin said, “Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, you are hereby given two weeks to submit your report so that this Senate can take decisive action on the matter.
“Very well. The Committee on Foreign Affairs is directed to table its report within two weeks on the attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa. We need Africa. comprehensive information so that this Senate can determine the appropriate course of action.
“I thank Senator Oshiomhole for his understanding, and I commend all distinguished senators who contributed to this debate.
“Let me also state that the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, has been actively engaging the situation and providing support to affected Nigerians.
“The government is doing well. Your contribution simply calls for even greater attention to the situation, which is welcome. I can assure this chamber that Nigerian authorities remain in regular contact with our citizens in South Africa.
“We hope the South African government will also look inward and decisively address the activities of those carrying out these heinous attacks under the guise of protests. Justice must be done for Nigerians and other African nationals who have been killed, injured, or displaced.”
Earlier in his presentation, Senator Ekpenyong said that “The Senate Africa’sith grave concern the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks, intimidation and anti-foreigner vigilantism against Nigerians and other African nationals residing in the Republic of South Africa.
“It also notes that anti-migrant groups issued an unlawful ultimatum requiring foreign nationals considered undocumented to leave South Africa by 30 June 2026, a deadline which has since expired and was accompanied by widespread fear, demonstrations, displacement, and reports of violence, including attacks on foreign-owned businesses and homes.
“Aware that the intimidation has extended beyond undocumented migrants to Nigerians and other foreign nationals possessing valid residence, work and immigration permits, some of whom have reportedly been threatened, profiled, evicted or ordered to leave by unauthorised vigilante groups.
“Observes that the indiscriminate targeting of foreign nationals, including lawful residents, demonstrates that the campaign cannot be regarded merely as immigration enforcement but constitutes xenophobic hostility based on nationality and perceived foreign origin.
“It also observes that Nigeria’s solidarity with South Africa was not limited to government action, as Nigerian workers, students and other citizens contributed significantly to the anti-apartheid struggle, while educational institutions and public facilities across Nigeria continue to bear the name of Nelson Mandela in recognition of his sacrifice and enduring legacy.
“Recalls that Nigeria, alongside other African countries, stood firmly with the people of South Africa during the struggle against apartheid by providing sustained diplomatic, financial and material support to the liberation movement, while campaigning for the release of Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners.
“It also recalls that under General Olusegun Obasanjo as military head of state, Nigeria hosted the World Conference for Action Against Apartheid in Lagos in 1977 and subsequently adopted significant economic measures against foreign commercial interests associated with apartheid South Africa, including the nationalisation of British Petroleum’s Nigerian interests and pressure on Barclays Bank and other affected institutions.
“Further recalls that the Senate, in its resolution of 5 May 2026, condemned the attacks and called for diplomatic engagement, enhanced protection for Nigerians, and sustained parliamentary intervention.
“Concerned that while Nigerian-owned businesses in South Africa have been attacked, looted, shut down or abandoned under threats of violence, South African-owned enterprises and brands, including MTN and DStv, continue to operate lawfully and profitably in Nigeria, with Nigeria consistently upholding the rule of law by rejecting retaliatory actions against South African nationals and legitimate commercial interests;
“Recognises the sovereign authority of South Africa to enforce its immigration laws but maintains that such enforcement must be carried out exclusively by authorised state institutions in accordance with the rule of law, human dignity and the fundamental rights of all persons.”
