The Senate has warned that Nigeria may reconsider its diplomatic relationship with South Africa if renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians continue.
The warning followed a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong during Tuesday’s plenary over reports of an alleged June 30, 2026, ultimatum issued to Nigerians residing in South Africa.
Describing the development as a grave threat to the lives, safety and livelihoods of Nigerians, lawmakers condemned the reported attacks on citizens and their businesses, urging the Federal Government to secure firm guarantees from South African authorities for their protection.
Speaking during the debate, Senator Salihu Mustapha called for a stronger response from Nigeria, insisting that the country could no longer remain passive while its citizens were being targeted.
“We cannot continue to fold our arms while Nigerians are being killed and their businesses looted,” he said.
Mustapha further suggested that Nigeria should consider severing diplomatic ties with South Africa if the attacks persist.
However, former Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, urged caution, arguing that the violence could be part of broader political efforts to destabilise South Africa’s government rather than isolated acts of xenophobia.
According to him, the attacks may be “a coordinated effort to destabilise the government of South Africa and remove the ruling African National Congress (ANC) from office.”
Following deliberations, the Senate directed 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 guaranteeing the safety and security of Nigerians living in the country.
The upper chamber also demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks.
In addition, lawmakers instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa to document all cases involving Nigerians who have been killed, injured, displaced, unlawfully detained, or whose properties have been destroyed, with a view to pursuing compensation for victims.
The Senate further called on the Federal Government to collaborate with the African Union and other affected African nations to establish an early warning system and accountability framework aimed at preventing future xenophobic attacks across the continent.
To ensure sustained oversight, the Senate mandated its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs to review the implementation of previous resolutions on xenophobic attacks and report back within two legislative weeks.
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