Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has stated that the country will not pursue economic retaliation against South Africa despite ongoing xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians.
Akpabio emphasized that diplomatic engagement remains the most appropriate approach to resolving the crisis in the interest of both nations, noting that punitive measures against businesses would not be Nigeria’s preferred option.
He made this position clear while responding to a proposal by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who suggested revoking the operational licenses of South African companies such as MTN and DStv in Nigeria as retaliation. The proposal was, however, declined on procedural grounds.
The Senate president assured that the upper chamber takes the reported attacks seriously and would address the issue with urgency.
As part of its response, the Senate resolved to set up a joint ad hoc committee comprising members of both chambers of the National Assembly. The committee will embark on a fact-finding and diplomatic mission to South Africa aimed at finding lasting solutions.
The delegation is expected to engage with the South African Parliament to formally convey Nigeria’s displeasure over the attacks. Additionally, the Senate plans to write to the Speaker of the South African Parliament and invite Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to brief lawmakers on ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Lawmakers also adopted a motion by Senator Simon Lalong calling for a review of resolutions reached during a 2019 bilateral meeting between Nigeria and South Africa to ensure their implementation.
The resolutions 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.”
During deliberations, senators were divided over whether to move discussions behind closed doors after Senator Adamu Aliero proposed a private session. The suggestion was opposed by Senator Abdul Ningi and others, who insisted on open debate.
Lawmakers expressed concern over the rising cases of physical attacks, psychological trauma, and growing fear among Nigerians abroad, noting that many are being profiled and targeted because of their nationality.
The Senate concluded proceedings with a minute of silence in honor of Nigerians who have lost their lives in the attacks.
