Xenophobia: Senate rejects calls to seize South African firms, pushes for diplomatic accountability

The Senate on Tuesday dismissed proposals for Nigeria to seize South African-owned businesses such as MTN and DStv in response to renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, opting instead to press for stronger diplomatic engagement and accountability from Pretoria.

The debate marked the second time in two months that the red chamber has deliberated on the worsening attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa.

While condemning the violence, lawmakers resolved to urge the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, to secure written guarantees from the South African authorities on the safety of Nigerians following the expiration of the June 30, 2026 ultimatum issued by vigilante groups.

The Senate also demanded the arrest and prosecution of all those responsible for killings, intimidation, looting and unlawful immigration enforcement.

The resolutions followed the consideration of a motion titled Need to Halt the Recurring Xenophobic Attacks and Intimidation Against Nigerians and Other African Nationals in the Republic of South Africa,”sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South).

Presenting the motion, Ekpenyong said the Senate viewed “with 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.”

He noted that anti-migrant groups had issued “an unlawful ultimatum requiring foreign nationals considered undocumented to leave South Africa by 30 June 2026,”adding that the deadline had “been accompanied by widespread fear, demonstrations, displacement, and reports of violence, including attacks on foreign-owned businesses and homes.”

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According to him, the intimidation has gone beyond undocumented migrants.

“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.”

He argued that the attacks could no longer be viewed as immigration enforcement.

“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.”

Ekpenyong reminded the Senate of Nigeria’s historic support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle.

“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.”

He further recalled that Nigeria had provided diplomatic, financial and material support to South Africa’s liberation movement and, under General Olusegun Obasanjo’s military administration, hosted the 1977 World Conference for Action Against Apartheid while adopting economic sanctions against apartheid-era interests.

Ekpenyong expressed concern that although Nigerian businesses in South Africa had been attacked and abandoned, “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.”

The Senate subsequently called on the Federal Government to ensure that those behind the attacks face justice while obtaining formal assurances from South Africa on the protection of Nigerians.

Lawmakers also urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa to strengthen emergency consular services and compile a verified register of Nigerians who have suffered death, injuries, displacement, unlawful detention or loss of businesses and property to facilitate legal redress, restitution and compensation.

In addition, the Senate called on Nigeria to work with other affected African countries and the African Union to establish an early warning, monitoring and accountability mechanism against xenophobic violence across the continent.

The upper chamber further directed its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora and NGOs to review the implementation of the Senate’s May 5, 2026 resolutions and previous Nigeria-South Africa engagements, and report back within four weeks on actions taken, assurances obtained and outstanding issues.

During the debate, Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) proposed an amendment seeking economic retaliation if South Africa refused to compensate Nigerians affected by the attacks.

He said, “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.”

Oshiomhole proposed that,“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.”

He added, “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.”

Senator Wasiu Eshilokun (APC, Lagos Central) also canvassed the nationalisation of South African businesses operating in Nigeria.

However, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), who presided over plenary, ruled against the proposal, insisting that the Senate should await the report of its Committee on Foreign Affairs before taking further action.

Barau said, 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.”

He explained that the South African minister’s remarks had been misunderstood.

“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.”

He appealed for patience, saying, “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.”

Oshiomhole, however, insisted the Senate had already delayed action.

“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.”

He further explained, “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.”

Responding, Barau directed the committee to accelerate its work.

Barau stated, “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 comprehensive information so that this Senate can determine the appropriate course of action.”

He also commended the Federal Government’s response.

He said, “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.”