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Dirisu Yakubu, Abuja
The House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to investigate the human and economic losses suffered by Nigerians in repeated xenophobic attacks in South Africa, in a move aimed at laying the groundwork for compensation, stronger diplomatic engagement and improved protection for Nigerian citizens living outside the country.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Lagos State, Babajimi Benson, who argued that despite years of violent attacks against Nigerians, there has never been a comprehensive assessment of the casualties, property losses and economic damage suffered by victims.
Presenting the motion, Benson recalled Nigeria’s historic role in the struggle against apartheid, saying the country made enormous diplomatic, financial and political sacrifices to support South Africa’s liberation.
He said, “Nigeria remains one of the foremost architects of South Africa’s liberation, having committed enormous diplomatic, financial and political resources towards the dismantling of apartheid, including sustained advocacy at the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the Organisation of African Unity, establishment of the Southern African Relief Fund, educational scholarships for South Africans and the imposition of economic sacrifices on its own citizens in support of the struggle for freedom.”
The lawmaker lamented that despite the longstanding relationship, Nigerians legally resident in South Africa have continued to face recurring waves of xenophobic violence for nearly two decades.
According to him, “Nigerians residing lawfully in the Republic of South Africa have, for nearly two decades, remained recurrent targets of xenophobic violence characterised by killings, mob attacks, physical assaults, arson, looting of businesses, destruction of properties, forced displacement, intimidation and hate campaigns principally directed at African migrants.”
Benson noted that major outbreaks of xenophobic violence were recorded in 2008, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021, with each episode triggering diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and South Africa, emergency evacuations of Nigerian citizens and renewed assurances by the South African government to prevent a recurrence.
He further expressed concern over what he described as the resurgence of organised anti-foreigner campaigns in South Africa.
He said, “The recent resurgence of coordinated anti-foreigner campaigns and inflammatory rhetoric by groups such as Operation Dudula and similar organisations created widespread fear amongst Nigerian residents, with many reportedly abandoning homes, businesses and investments while seeking emergency evacuation following threats and unlawful ultimatums issued against foreign African nationals.”
The lawmaker said that although previous sessions of the National Assembly had condemned the attacks and called for diplomatic action, no comprehensive legislative inquiry had been conducted to determine the actual number of Nigerians killed, injured or displaced, or the full extent of economic losses suffered over the years.
He argued that the absence of verified data had weakened Nigeria’s ability to pursue meaningful diplomatic engagement and seek justice for victims.
According to Benson, “Condemnation and diplomatic protests without a corresponding institutional effort to comprehensively document the losses suffered by Nigerians have denied the Federal Government and the National Assembly an authoritative evidential basis for policy formulation, legislative intervention and sustained diplomatic negotiations.”
He maintained that a comprehensive investigation had become necessary to document the cumulative human, economic and social consequences of xenophobic violence against Nigerians and to recommend lasting legislative and diplomatic solutions.
The motion received overwhelming support from lawmakers when it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas.
Following its adoption, the House mandated its Committees on Integration and Cooperation in Africa and Diaspora and Foreign Affairs to investigate the losses, casualties and damages suffered by Nigerians during previous and recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The committees were also directed to compile an inventory of properties abandoned by Nigerians as a result of the attacks and recommend appropriate diplomatic initiatives, legal mechanisms and bilateral engagements to ensure accountability for perpetrators, secure compensation for victims where applicable and strengthen the protection of Nigerians residing in South Africa.
The committees are expected to report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.
Nigeria and South Africa maintain one of Africa’s most important bilateral relationships, driven by trade, diplomacy and regional cooperation. However, recurring xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians, have repeatedly strained relations between both countries.
The violence has resulted in deaths, destruction of businesses and forced displacement, prompting diplomatic protests, high-level engagements and, in some instances, the evacuation of Nigerian citizens.
Despite these interventions, concerns have persisted over the safety of Nigerians living and doing business in South Africa, with victims and advocacy groups continuing to demand justice and compensation for losses suffered over the years.