By Jane Salihu
Nigeria’s Senate erupted into a tense and emotionally charged session on Tuesday as lawmakers confronted renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians abroad, with sharp divisions emerging over whether to impose retaliatory sanctions or pursue diplomatic engagement.
The debate, triggered by a motion of urgent national importance, saw senators recount disturbing reports of killings, displacement and harassment of Nigerians in South Africa and parts of West Africa. Leading the discussion, Senator Osita Izunaso condemned the attacks as “barbaric and dehumanising,” warning that Nigeria could no longer remain passive while its citizens face targeted violence abroad.
Sponsor of the motion, Senator Aniekan Bassey, described the incidents as a “systematic pattern of persecution,” arguing that Nigerians are increasingly profiled and treated as criminals solely based on their nationality. He called for urgent and coordinated diplomatic and humanitarian measures to safeguard citizens overseas.
Tensions escalated when former Edo State governor and senator, Adams Oshiomhole, pushed for tough economic retaliation against South African interests operating in Nigeria. He suggested revoking the licences of major companies as a way to compel action, insisting that Nigeria must respond decisively to what he termed persistent hostility.
However, calls for restraint came from lawmakers including Senator Adamu Aliero, who cautioned against emotionally driven decisions that could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts. He noted that the Federal Government was already engaging South African authorities through official channels and urged the Senate to allow those processes to run their course.
As the debate intensified, Senate President Godswill Akpabio intervened to calm frayed nerves, warning against escalating the situation into economic conflict. He stressed the need for a balanced approach that combines firm action with responsible diplomacy.
Following extensive deliberations, the Senate unanimously condemned the attacks and called on the Federal Government to immediately engage South Africa and Ghana at the highest diplomatic levels. Lawmakers also demanded thorough investigations into the incidents and the prosecution of those responsible, while urging stronger protection mechanisms for Nigerians in the diaspora, including emergency assistance and evacuation support where necessary.
The chamber further mandated its Committee on Diaspora Affairs to conduct a comprehensive probe into the recurring attacks and called for greater accountability within regional bodies, including ECOWAS and the African Union.
In a key outcome, the Senate approved the constitution of a high-powered delegation, to be led by Akpabio, to formally present Nigeria’s concerns to South African authorities and press for concrete guarantees on the safety of Nigerian citizens.
Lawmakers closed the session with a unified stance on protecting Nigerians globally, declaring that the safety, dignity and rights of citizens remain non-negotiable, even as pressure mounts for decisive government action
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