Nigeria’s Senate has strongly condemned the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, warning that the Federal Government may be forced to reassess diplomatic relations if the violence persists.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who raised concerns over reports that anti-migrant groups issued an ultimatum directing undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa by June 30, 2026. He told lawmakers that the expiration of the deadline was followed by reports of intimidation, displacement, attacks on businesses and growing fear among foreign residents.
According to Ekpenyong, the harassment has reportedly extended beyond undocumented migrants to Nigerians and other foreign nationals with valid work and residence permits. He said many had allegedly been threatened, profiled, harassed and forced from their homes by unauthorised vigilante groups, describing the development as xenophobic hostility rather than immigration enforcement.
Several senators backed the motion during Tuesday’s plenary. Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno described the attacks as a recurring problem that resurfaces every few years, while Senator Orji Uzor Kalu recalled Nigeria’s support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle and commended the Federal Government for facilitating the voluntary evacuation of Nigerians wishing to return home.
Although some lawmakers called for tougher diplomatic measures, including the severance of ties with South Africa, Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged restraint. He directed the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs to investigate the situation and submit its findings within two legislative weeks before any further action is considered.
The Senate subsequently 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 demanded the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks, stronger emergency consular support and the compilation of a verified register of affected Nigerians to facilitate legal redress and compensation.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government is continuing the evacuation of Nigerians who have opted to return home. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that a fourth Air Peace evacuation flight carrying 270 Nigerians was scheduled to arrive in Lagos on Wednesday, bringing the total number of evacuees under the emergency exercise to 1,129.
According to the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the latest flight departed Johannesburg at midnight and was expected to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at about 5:00 a.m. Authorities said the evacuation remains voluntary and will continue for Nigerians who no longer consider it safe to remain in South Africa.
