Nigeria Senate Calls for Sanctions Over Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa

Fresh waves of xenophobic violence in South Africa have killed at least two Nigerians and damaged businesses belonging to Nigerians and other Africans. Nigeria’s Senate and House of Representatives have jointly condemned the attacks and issued a series of resolutions.

In the Senate, lawmakers urged the federal government to press South Africa for safety guarantees, arrests, prosecutions and compensation. Several senators, including Adams Oshiomhole and Asuquo Ekpenyong, proposed seizing the profits of South African companies operating in Nigeria—such as MTN and major banks—to fund compensation for victims. The Senate ultimately rejected calls to nationalise those firms but maintained strong diplomatic pressure, tasking committees to review past resolutions and report within two weeks.

The House of Representatives passed a motion demanding that the high commission of South Africa in Abuja be summoned, that bilateral ties be reviewed until adequate guarantees are provided, and that an independent investigation be conducted. Lawmakers also called for regional cooperation with the African Union, SADC, the UN and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to protect migrants.

Both chambers highlighted the potential impact on the $2.16 billion bilateral trade relationship and warned that continued violence could lead to a review of diplomatic relations.