The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has said that Nigeria will not take economic retaliation against South Africa despite renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians living in the country.
Akpabio made this known during a heated Senate session on Tuesday, where lawmakers debated how Nigeria should respond to repeated reports of violence and discrimination against its citizens abroad.
He explained that while the National Assembly strongly condemns the attacks, diplomatic engagement remains the best option for resolving the crisis. According to him, Nigeria must act in a way that protects its citizens without worsening relations between both countries.
“We will not invoke economic retaliation. Diplomatic engagement is the best option in the interest of both countries,” he said.
The issue came up following a proposal by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who suggested that Nigeria should consider strong economic measures, including revoking the operating licences of major South African companies such as MTN and DSTV operating in Nigeria.
Oshiomhole argued that such a move would send a strong message to South Africa over the repeated attacks on Nigerians.
However, the Senate President ruled out the proposal on procedural grounds, stressing that Nigeria must tread carefully in handling the matter.
Akpabio said the Senate views the situation as serious and urgent, but insisted that any response must be guided by national interest and diplomacy rather than retaliation.
The debate reflects growing anger in Nigeria over the recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals, including Nigerians, have often been targeted in attacks linked to economic hardship and social tensions.
Over the years, thousands of Nigerians living in South Africa have been affected by such incidents, with reports of killings, destruction of businesses, and forced displacement during violent outbreaks.
Despite repeated diplomatic engagements between both countries, the issue has continued to resurface, raising concerns about the safety of Nigerians abroad.
Following deliberations, the Senate resolved to set up a joint ad hoc committee comprising members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives to address the matter.
The committee is expected to embark on a fact-finding and diplomatic mission to South Africa to seek lasting solutions to the crisis.
According to the resolution, the delegation will engage South African authorities directly and is also expected to visit the South African Parliament to express Nigeria’s displeasure over the attacks.
The Senate also agreed that a formal letter will be sent to the Speaker of the South African Parliament as part of diplomatic communication efforts.
In addition, the lawmakers decided to invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs to brief the National Assembly on ongoing diplomatic efforts and outcomes of previous engagements between both countries.
The Senate further supported a motion by Senator Simon Lalong, calling for a review of resolutions reached during a 2019 bilateral meeting between Nigeria and South Africa. The aim is to assess whether past agreements aimed at preventing xenophobic violence have been implemented.
The discussions followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Bassey, titled: “Intensifying Xenophobic Persecution of Nigerians in South Africa and Ghana: A Call for Urgent National, Diplomatic and Humanitarian Action to Defend the Dignity, Safety and Honour of Nigerian Citizens.”’
During the debate, lawmakers expressed deep concern over what they described as worsening conditions for Nigerians living abroad. Many senators said Nigerians are increasingly being profiled, attacked, and dehumanised in some foreign countries simply because of their nationality.
There was, however, disagreement among lawmakers on whether the matter should be discussed behind closed doors. Senator Adamu Aliero had suggested a closed-door session, but this was opposed by Senator Abdul Ningi and others, who insisted that the matter be debated openly.
The Senate eventually proceeded with open deliberation, reflecting the strong emotions surrounding the issue.
Lawmakers also expressed concern about the psychological impact of the attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa. They noted that beyond physical harm, many victims suffer trauma, fear, and loss of livelihood as a result of repeated violence.
To honour those who have died in the attacks, the Senate observed a minute of silence during plenary.
Nigeria and South Africa share a long history of diplomatic and economic relations, being two of the largest economies in Africa. South African companies have major investments in Nigeria, especially in telecommunications, broadcasting, banking, and retail sectors.
Because of these strong economic ties, Nigeria has often preferred diplomatic solutions over retaliatory measures whenever tensions arise between both countries.
However, public anger in Nigeria tends to rise whenever reports of xenophobic attacks surface, with citizens frequently calling for stronger action against South African interests.
In previous incidents, the Federal Government has evacuated Nigerians from South Africa and engaged in high-level diplomatic talks aimed at restoring calm. Joint committees have also been set up in the past, but critics argue that such measures have not fully solved the problem.
The latest Senate resolution suggests that Nigeria will once again rely on dialogue and diplomatic pressure rather than economic sanctions.
As the proposed committee prepares for its assignment, attention will be on whether renewed engagement between both countries can finally lead to lasting peace and improved protection for Nigerians living in South Africa.