The Senate on Tuesday rejected calls for the Federal Government to take over South African-owned businesses such as MTN and DStv in response to the latest xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
Instead, lawmakers asked the Federal Government to step up diplomatic efforts and ensure Nigerians living in the country are protected.
The decision followed a debate on a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who raised concerns over a fresh wave of attacks and intimidation against Nigerians and other African nationals after the June 30, 2026 deadline issued by some vigilante groups for foreigners to leave South Africa.
During the debate, the Senate condemned the attacks and 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 on the safety of Nigerians.
It also asked the government to push for the arrest and prosecution of everyone involved in the violence, looting, intimidation and unlawful actions against foreigners.
Lawmakers further directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa to strengthen emergency support for Nigerians.
They also asked the agencies to create a verified list of Nigerians who have been killed, injured, displaced, detained or lost businesses and property so they can seek compensation and legal redress.
The Senate also urged the Federal Government to work with other African countries and the African Union to create an early warning system that would monitor and respond to xenophobic attacks across the continent.
In addition, the Senate directed its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora to review the implementation of resolutions passed on May 5, 2026, and submit a report within four weeks on actions taken and outstanding issues.
During the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole argued that if South Africa refused to compensate Nigerians whose businesses and properties were destroyed, Nigeria should consider using the profits of South African companies operating in the country to compensate the victims.
He said Nigerians should not continue to suffer losses while South African businesses keep operating and making profits in Nigeria.
Senator Wasiu Eshilokun also supported stronger action by suggesting the nationalisation of South African businesses operating in Nigeria.
However, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, advised against taking immediate retaliatory measures. He said the Senate should allow its Committee on Foreign Affairs to complete its investigation before making any further decisions.
Barau acknowledged that the attacks were unacceptable and said innocent people should never be targeted. He also noted that the South African government should openly address the security situation if it was facing challenges in controlling the violence.
Following Oshiomhole's insistence that the matter required urgent action, Barau directed the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs to submit its report within two weeks so the Senate could decide on the next step.
Ekpenyong, while presenting the motion, said the attacks had affected not only undocumented migrants but also Nigerians and other foreign nationals with valid residence and work permits.
He said businesses owned by Nigerians had been attacked, looted and abandoned because of threats, while South African companies continued to operate freely in Nigeria.
The senator also recalled Nigeria's role in supporting South Africa during the struggle against apartheid, noting that the country provided diplomatic, financial and material support and stood with the people of South Africa throughout the liberation movement.
He maintained that although South Africa has the right to enforce its immigration laws, such actions must be carried out by authorised government institutions and not by vigilante groups targeting foreigners.
.jfif)
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