BOTH chambers of Nigeria’s National Assembly unanimously condemned the recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa during Tuesday’s plenary sessions, though they diverged sharply on whether to retaliate economically or pursue diplomatic solutions.
Lawmakers in the House of Representatives described the situation as shameful and adopted a resolution to review bilateral ties with South Africa, following a motion on matters of urgent national importance moved by Rep. Donald Ojogo (Ondo State).
Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary, expressed strong disapproval of the violence, which has seen a new wave of attacks emerging in April, targeting African migrants in Western Cape through looting, property damage, and forced business closures.
The House also called for a review of tax incentives currently enjoyed by South African firms operating in Nigeria.
Simultaneously, the Senate debated a similar motion sponsored by Sen. Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East). While senators condemned the “barbaric and unlawful” attacks, a heated debate emerged on the appropriate response.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) forcefully argued for economic retaliation, specifically calling on the National Assembly to revoke the operating licences of major South African companies such as MTN Group and MultiChoice (DStv).
“It is time to reciprocate,” Oshiomhole said. “By the time we withdraw MTN’s licence and revoke DStv’s licence, those coming from South Africa will have good jobs to do here. Let us fight in a manner that they will be the ones begging.”
However, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, rejected the call for retaliatory resolutions targeting South African businesses, emphasising that the chamber would instead pursue diplomatic solutions.
The Senate resolved to urge the Federal Government to initiate high-level diplomatic dialogue with South Africa and Ghana, demand a full and independent investigation into the killings, and seek compensation for victims.
A joint ad hoc committee will be constituted to engage with South African lawmakers, while the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who has already travelled to South Africa for talks and is considering repatriating Nigerian citizens, will be invited to brief the National Assembly.
The Senate observed a minute of silence for those who lost their lives, including two Nigerians reportedly killed by South African defence personnel in April.
