Reps to investigate Nigerians’ losses from xenophobic attacks in South Africa

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the human and economic losses suffered by Nigerians during repeated xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Babajimi Benson, during plenary on Tuesday.

Benson said Nigeria’s inability to provide a comprehensive record of the casualties, destruction of property and economic losses suffered by its citizens had weakened efforts to demand justice and compensation from South Africa.

He recalled Nigeria’s role in supporting South Africa during the struggle against apartheid, saying the country made significant diplomatic, financial and political sacrifices to help secure its freedom.

“Despite the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, Nigerians who are lawfully residing in the country have continued to face xenophobic attacks for nearly two decades. These attacks have included killings, mob violence, physical assaults, arson, looting of businesses, destruction of property, forced displacement and hate campaigns targeting African migrants,” Benson said.

Benson also raised concerns over the resurgence of anti-foreigner campaigns in South Africa, particularly by groups such as Operation Dudula.

He noted that previous outbreaks of xenophobic violence in 2008, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021 led to diplomatic tensions, emergency evacuations of Nigerians and promises by the South African government to prevent future attacks.

Benson argued that although previous sessions of the National Assembly condemned the attacks and called for diplomatic intervention, there had never been a comprehensive investigation into the number of Nigerians killed, injured or displaced, or the value of businesses and properties lost.

“Condemnation and diplomatic protests without a corresponding institutional effort to comprehensively document the losses suffered by Nigerians have denied the Federal Government and the National Assembly an authoritative evidential basis for policy formulation, legislative intervention and sustained diplomatic negotiations,” he said.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House directed its Committees on Integration and Cooperation in Africa and the Diaspora, and Foreign Affairs to investigate the casualties, property losses and damage suffered by Nigerians during previous and recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

The committees were also mandated to compile an inventory of abandoned properties and recommend diplomatic measures, legal options and bilateral engagements to ensure accountability for those responsible, secure compensation for victims where applicable, and improve the protection of Nigerians living in South Africa.

The committees are expected to submit their findings to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.