Nigerian Senate Demands Safety for Nigerians in South Africa

The Nigerian Senate, on Tuesday, condemned a renewed wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, demanding that the federal government secure written assurances from Pretoria regarding the safety of Nigerians. The Senate called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the violence.

Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong highlighted the intimidation faced by Nigerians, particularly from anti-migrant groups issuing ultimatums for undocumented foreigners to leave by June 30, 2026. He noted that these threats extend to legally residing Nigerians.

The Senate reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to African solidarity and warned against misinterpretation of its stance. Senator Moham Tahir Monguno described the recurring attacks as unfortunate and emphasized the need for Nigeria's foreign policy to prioritize the protection of its citizens abroad.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for facilitating the evacuation of Nigerians and urged diplomatic engagement with South Africa. The Senate's resolution reflects ongoing concerns about the safety of Nigerians in South Africa amid rising xenophobia.