'Nigeria Helped Secure South Africa’s Freedom'

‘Nigeria Helped Secure South Africa’s Freedom’ – Reps
Lawmakers urge review of Nigeria’s bilateral ties with South Africa.
House orders probe and seeks stronger protection for Nigerians abroad.

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to adopt tougher diplomatic measures against South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks, extrajudicial killings and the alleged systematic persecution of Nigerians and other African nationals.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to review Nigeria’s bilateral relations with South Africa, warning that aspects of diplomatic and economic cooperation could be suspended or recalibrated until Pretoria provides credible, measurable and verifiable guarantees for the safety of Nigerians living in the country.

The resolution followed the unanimous adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau State, Yusuf Gagdi, during Thursday’s plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

Presenting the motion, Gagdi said Nigeria could no longer remain silent in the face of repeated attacks on its citizens despite years of diplomatic engagement with the South African government.

“The House is aware that the Republic of South Africa has, over the years, witnessed repeated waves of xenophobic violence directed against Nigerians and other African nationals, resulting in the loss of innocent lives, destruction of businesses, unlawful arrests, forced displacement and widespread fear,” he said.

He added that recent reports pointed to a fresh wave of attacks targeting Nigerians, Ghanaians, Zimbabweans, Zambians, Mozambicans, Malawians and other African nationals lawfully residing in South Africa.

Gagdi also noted that the Federal Government had confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians, including one who reportedly died in police custody and another who was allegedly killed in front of his business premises.

“These tragic incidents have once again exposed Nigerians and other Africans to grave danger despite repeated diplomatic engagements between Nigeria and South Africa,” he said.

The lawmaker recalled Nigeria’s significant contributions to the struggle against apartheid, saying the country provided diplomatic, financial, humanitarian and political support that contributed to South Africa’s liberation.

“Nigeria was one of the foremost nations that stood firmly against apartheid through diplomatic leadership, huge financial support, humanitarian assistance and sustained political pressure that contributed immensely to the liberation of South Africa.

“Thousands of Nigerians made sacrifices, while successive Nigerian governments committed enormous national resources in support of the anti apartheid struggle, believing in the ideals of African solidarity, justice and freedom.

'Nigeria Helped Secure South Africa’s Freedom' - Reps Demand Justice for Slain Nigerians — ‘Nigeria Helped Secure South Africa’s Freedom’ – Reps Demand Justice for Slain Nigerians

“It is, therefore, profoundly disturbing that Nigerians and other Africans now face persecution, humiliation and violent attacks in a country whose freedom they helped secure,” Gagdi said.

He expressed concern that xenophobic attacks had become recurrent, systematic and increasingly deadly despite repeated assurances from the South African government to protect foreign nationals.

According to him, many perpetrators of the attacks continue to evade prosecution, creating a culture of impunity.

Gagdi also criticised inflammatory remarks allegedly made by a South African junior minister, describing such comments as irresponsible and capable of escalating tensions.

He warned that the continued attacks undermine the principles of African unity, regional integration and peaceful coexistence, adding that failure to address the violence could embolden perpetrators and weaken confidence in regional institutions.

Contributing to the debate, Edo lawmaker Billy Osawaru urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic pressure on South Africa.

“Some measures must be taken to address this problem. We are worried that despite the engagement between our government and that of South Africa, the xenophobic attacks have continued, with the South African security architecture looking away. The blood of our innocent citizens is on the hands of these security personnel,” he said.

Moshood Akiolu, representing Lagos State, also recalled Nigeria’s sacrifices during the anti apartheid struggle and called on the National Assembly to invite officials of the South African High Commission in Nigeria to explain measures being taken to protect Nigerians.

Lawmakers Ghali Tijjani and Adebayo Adepoju also called for stronger diplomatic action, international legal intervention and support for Nigerians affected by the attacks.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Federal Government to summon the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria to provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the recent killings and clarify South Africa’s position on the protection of Nigerians and other African nationals.

The lawmakers also demanded an independent, transparent and internationally monitored investigation into the deaths of the affected Nigerians and other African victims, with a view to identifying, prosecuting and punishing those responsible.

In addition, the House urged the Federal Government to engage the African Union, the Southern African Development Community, the United Nations and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to ensure accountability and improve the protection of African migrants in South Africa.

The lawmakers further called on the Federal Government to invoke available diplomatic and legal mechanisms to seek redress for violations of international obligations owed to Nigerians and to review bilateral relations with South Africa where necessary.

They also advocated stronger consular services, legal assistance, emergency evacuation arrangements and reintegration support for Nigerians willing to return home.

The House resolved to establish an ad hoc committee to engage the South African Parliament, the South African government, the African Union and other relevant institutions over the recurring attacks.

The committee is expected to investigate the incidents and report its findings to the House within 21 days.

Xenophobic attacks in South Africa have remained a recurring source of diplomatic tension between Abuja and Pretoria for more than a decade. Major outbreaks recorded in 2008, 2015 and 2019 claimed several lives and destroyed businesses owned by foreign nationals, including Nigerians.

Although South African authorities have repeatedly condemned the attacks and pledged to improve the protection of migrants, concerns persist over the safety of foreign nationals and the prosecution of those responsible.