The House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to investigate the losses, damages, and casualties suffered by Nigerians in recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, who stressed the need for urgent parliamentary intervention.
Leading the debate, Benson recalled Nigeria’s historic role in the liberation of South Africa from apartheid, noting that the country committed substantial diplomatic, financial, and political resources to the struggle. He listed Nigeria’s contributions to include advocacy at global platforms such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth, and the Organisation of African Unity, as well as the establishment of the Southern African Relief Fund, provision of scholarships, and economic sacrifices by Nigerians.
Despite this longstanding relationship, Benson lamented that Nigerians residing legally in South Africa have continued to face recurring xenophobic attacks over the past two decades.
“Notwithstanding this historic relationship, Nigerians residing lawfully in the Republic of South Africa have, for nearly two decades, remained recurrent targets of xenophobic violence characterised by killings, mob attacks, physical assaults, arson, looting of businesses, destruction of property, forced displacement, intimidation, and hate campaigns principally directed at African migrants,” he said.
He further noted that major outbreaks of xenophobic violence were recorded in 2008, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2021, among other instances, each leading to diplomatic tensions and emergency evacuations of Nigerians.
Benson also raised concerns over the resurgence of coordinated anti-foreigner campaigns by groups such as Operation Dudula, which he said had heightened fear among Nigerian residents.
“The House is aware that the recent resurgence of coordinated anti-foreigner campaigns and inflammatory rhetoric… has created widespread fear among Nigerian residents, with many reportedly abandoning their homes, businesses, and investments while seeking emergency evacuation,” he added.
The lawmaker expressed concern that previous responses by both governments had largely been limited to condemnations and diplomatic engagements without a comprehensive effort to document the actual losses suffered by Nigerians.
He argued that the absence of reliable data has hindered effective policy formulation and legislative intervention.
“A comprehensive legislative inquiry has become imperative… to document the cumulative human, economic, and social consequences of xenophobic violence against Nigerians in South Africa,” he said.
In his contribution, Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi, called for a thorough investigation and accountability for perpetrators.
Also speaking, Paschal Agbodike urged the Federal Government to ensure adequate compensation for Nigerians repatriated from South Africa, citing the financial and psychological trauma experienced by victims.
Following the debate, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas referred the motion to the joint Committees on Integration in Africa, Diaspora, Nigeria–South Africa Friendship Group, and Foreign Affairs.
The committees were mandated to investigate the extent of losses, damages, and casualties suffered by Nigerians, as well as compile an inventory of abandoned properties resulting from past and recent xenophobic attacks.
They are also expected to recommend diplomatic, legal, and institutional measures to ensure accountability, strengthen protection for Nigerians in South Africa, and enforce relevant international human rights obligations.
The committees are to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.