The Nigerian Senate has resolved to establish a joint ad hoc committee comprising members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives to address the rising incidents of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

The committee, to be led by the leadership of the National Assembly, is expected to embark on a fact-finding and diplomatic mission to South Africa with the aim of identifying sustainable solutions to the ongoing crisis. As part of its mandate, the delegation will engage with the South African Parliament to formally convey Nigeria’s strong concerns over the reported attacks.

In addition, the Senate will communicate with the Speaker of the South African Parliament and invite Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to brief lawmakers on the outcomes of diplomatic engagements on the issue.

The upper chamber also adopted a motion put forward by Senator Simon Lalong, calling for a review of resolutions reached during the 2019 bilateral meeting between Nigeria and South Africa, with a focus on ensuring their full implementation.

During deliberations, Senator Adams Oshiomhole proposed the revocation of operational licences of South African companies operating in Nigeria, including telecommunications and broadcasting firms. However, the proposal was ruled out on procedural grounds.

In his remarks, the Senate President emphasized the importance of diplomatic engagement in resolving the crisis, noting that economic retaliation would not be the preferred course of action. He stressed that the Senate considers the situation serious and would address it with the urgency it requires.

The resolutions followed a motion of urgent national importance moved 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.”

Lawmakers were divided on whether the matter should be discussed in a closed session after Senator Aliero suggested a private deliberation. The proposal was opposed by Senator Ningi and others, who advocated for an open debate.

Senators expressed deep concern over not only the physical violence but also the growing climate of fear, psychological distress, and dehumanization faced by Nigerians abroad. They noted an increasing trend of profiling and targeting of Nigerians based solely on their nationality.

The Senate concluded its deliberations by observing a minute of silence in honour of Nigerians who have lost their lives in the attacks.