The House of Representatives on Tuesday began moves to investigate the human and economic losses suffered by Nigerians in repeated xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with lawmakers seeking to establish a basis for compensation for victims and stronger protection for Nigerians living abroad.
The lawmakers said a comprehensive investigation was necessary because, despite years of deadly attacks against Nigerians and other African migrants, there has never been an official record of the number of Nigerians killed, injured, displaced or the value of businesses and properties destroyed.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Babajimi Benson, during plenary presided over by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas.
Presenting the motion, Benson recalled Nigeria’s historic contribution to South Africa’s liberation from apartheid, saying the country made enormous sacrifices in support of the anti-apartheid struggle.
According to him, Nigeria invested significant diplomatic, financial and political resources to help end apartheid, including sustained advocacy at international organisations such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the former Organisation of African Unity.
He also noted that Nigeria established the Southern African Relief Fund, provided scholarships for South African students and accepted economic sacrifices by its own citizens in support of South Africa’s freedom struggle.
Benson, however, expressed regret that despite Nigeria’s role in supporting South Africa, Nigerians living legally in the country have continued to face repeated waves of xenophobic violence for nearly two decades.
He told the House that the attacks have been marked by killings, mob violence, physical assaults, looting of businesses, destruction of property, intimidation, forced displacement and hate campaigns targeting African migrants, particularly Nigerians.
According to him, the recurring violence has left many Nigerian families devastated while causing heavy financial losses to business owners who invested in South Africa.
The lawmaker recalled that major outbreaks of xenophobic violence occurred in 2008, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021.
Each episode, he said, led to diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and South Africa, emergency evacuation of some Nigerian citizens and promises by South African authorities to prevent future attacks.
Despite those assurances, Benson said the attacks have continued, raising serious concerns about the safety of Nigerians residing and doing business in South Africa.
He also expressed concern over what he described as the resurgence of organised anti-foreigner campaigns in South Africa.
According to him, groups such as Operation Dudula and similar organisations have intensified anti-immigrant activities, creating fear among foreign nationals.
He said many Nigerians reportedly abandoned their homes, businesses and investments following threats and ultimatums allegedly issued against foreign African nationals.
The lawmaker argued that while previous sessions of the National Assembly had condemned the attacks and urged the Federal Government to engage South African authorities, no detailed legislative investigation had ever been carried out to determine the true scale of the losses.
He said the absence of reliable data has weakened Nigeria’s ability to negotiate effectively with South Africa or pursue justice and compensation for affected citizens.
According to Benson, repeated condemnations without proper documentation have left both the Federal Government and the National Assembly without the evidence needed to formulate stronger policies or pursue sustained diplomatic engagement.
He therefore called for a comprehensive investigation to establish the cumulative human, social and economic impact of the attacks and recommend lasting legislative and diplomatic solutions.
The motion received overwhelming support from members when Speaker Abbas put it to a voice vote.
Following its adoption, the House mandated its Committees on Integration and Cooperation in Africa and Diaspora, as well as the Committee on Foreign Affairs, to conduct a detailed investigation into the casualties, injuries and economic losses suffered by Nigerians during previous and recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The committees were also directed to compile an inventory of businesses, homes and other properties abandoned by Nigerians because of the violence.
In addition, the panels are expected to recommend diplomatic initiatives, legal measures and bilateral engagements that could help ensure accountability for those responsible for the attacks, secure compensation for victims where possible and strengthen the protection of Nigerians living in South Africa.
The committees have been given four weeks to complete the assignment and submit their report to the House for further legislative action.
Lawmakers believe the investigation will provide the Federal Government with credible data that can be used in future diplomatic discussions with South Africa and international organisations.
The planned inquiry also comes amid renewed calls by civil society groups and members of the Nigerian community in South Africa for justice for victims and stronger measures to prevent future attacks.
Nigeria and South Africa are regarded as Africa’s two largest economies and maintain one of the continent’s most important bilateral relationships.
Both countries cooperate in trade, investment, regional peacekeeping, diplomacy and continental development through organisations such as the African Union.
However, that relationship has repeatedly come under strain because of recurring xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
The violence has often resulted in the deaths of migrants, destruction of businesses, looting of shops and displacement of thousands of people.
Nigerians have been among those most affected, with many losing relatives, homes, vehicles and business investments during various outbreaks of violence.
Several Nigerian-owned businesses have been vandalised or set ablaze over the years, while many citizens have been forced to flee their communities for safety.
Some victims were evacuated back to Nigeria through emergency arrangements coordinated by the Federal Government, while others chose to remain despite fears of further attacks.
The Federal Government has repeatedly lodged diplomatic protests with South African authorities, demanding greater protection for Nigerians and the prosecution of those responsible for the violence.
High-level meetings have also been held between officials of both countries in an effort to ease tensions and improve the safety of foreign nationals.
Although South African authorities have on several occasions condemned xenophobic attacks and pledged to bring perpetrators to justice, advocacy groups argue that many victims have yet to receive justice or compensation.
The latest move by the House of Representatives is expected to provide, for the first time, an official legislative record of the losses suffered by Nigerians over nearly two decades of xenophobic violence.