Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio, has said the country will not adopt economic retaliation against South Africa despite persistent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians.

He maintained that “diplomatic engagement… would be the best option,” stressing that “economic retaliation against businesses would not be the preferred course of action.”

Akpabio dismissed a proposal by Adams Oshiomhole to sanction companies like MTN and DStv, with the motion ruled out on procedural grounds.

The Senate, however, resolved to act, setting up a joint ad hoc committee with the House of Representatives to address the situation. The panel will carry out a fact-finding and diplomatic visit, engage the South African Parliament, and formally convey Nigeria’s displeasure. 

Lawmakers also plan to invite the Foreign Affairs Minister for a briefing and review past bilateral agreements from 2019.

During debate, senators disagreed over whether to hold discussions privately, but the matter was eventually treated openly. Concerns were raised over k+llings, hara§§ment, and psychological trauma faced by Nigerians abroad, with many reportedly targeted due to their nationality.