Nigeria Considers Sanctions, Parliamentary Engagement Against Xenophobic Attacks In South Africa.

By Ferdinand Olise

The Senate has strongly condemned the recent wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, describing the incidents as barbaric and unacceptable.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance raised today at plenary by Senator Akpan Ekong, representing Akwa Ibom South, who drew attention to the recurring attacks, which have led to the loss of lives, destruction of property, and persecution of Nigerians.

Contributing to the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole called for stiffer sanctions against South African companies operating in Nigeria, urging a review of bilateral relations.

“These Nigerians who are in South Africa, they are not there on holiday. They are there to work and to earn. And what kind of job are they doing? There are two categories; Many are traders, others are doing maybe some high-skilled jobs. So my view is that, it is time to reciprocate.
This Senate should move, should adopt a position that MTN, a South African company that is carting away millions of dollars from Nigeria every day, that Nigeria
nationalize it and withdraw its license”, he said.

On his part, former Senate President Ahmed Lawan advocated a diplomatic approach, referencing strategies adopted during the administration of Muhammadu Buhari to address similar crises.

In his remarks, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, condemned the attacks, stating that they are inconsistent with the principles of African unity and fundamental human rights.

“We are not going to touch any business of South Africa, and we won’t touch the business of any country. We believe strongly that with diplomatic engagements, these issues will be resolved.
But at the same time, we demand justice for those who have been killed, and we demand reparation, we demand compensation.

“We believe also that what has been done is unacceptable, not just to Nigeria, but to the international community, and that the international community should hold the government of South Africa accountable.
So this Senate views this barbaric action with seriousness, and will come up with very actionable plans together with the House of Representatives.”, he said.

The Senate therefore proposed a delegation to the South African Parliament to engage on legal frameworks aimed at preventing a recurrence of such attacks

The Lawmakers observed a minute silence in honour of victims who lost their lives in the attacks, and called for stronger protection of Nigerians abroad.