Senate Urges Tinubu to Sever Ties with South Africa Over Xenophobic Attacks

The Senate on Tuesday called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sever diplomatic relations with South Africa over the persistent xenophobic attacks and killings of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in the country.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong (Cross River South), who drew the attention of lawmakers to the recurring attacks on Nigerians living and doing business in South Africa.

Leading the debate, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) said the Senate could no longer remain silent while Nigerians continued to be killed in xenophobic attacks carried out openly in South Africa.

According to him, Nigerians have the right to live and conduct legitimate businesses in any part of the world without fear of violence.

“Talking and lamenting will not help. Let us sever relations with South Africa. There must be action,” Ningi said.

Also contributing, Senator Babangida Hussaini (Jigawa North West) condemned the continued attacks, noting that Nigerians were not only being vilified but also killed in South Africa.

He urged the Federal Government to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy to address the situation decisively.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole proposed stronger economic measures, urging President Tinubu to nationalise South African business interests operating in Nigeria, including MTN, Stanbic IBTC Bank and Multichoice, and channel the proceeds toward compensating Nigerians who have lost lives and property in the attacks.

Other lawmakers, including Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno (Borno North), also condemned the recurring xenophobic attacks, describing them as unacceptable and calling for urgent government action to protect Nigerian citizens and their investments abroad.

The Senate’s resolution adds to growing calls for a firmer diplomatic response to the repeated attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, which have strained relations between the two African countries over the years.