Nigerian Senate Rejects Nationalization of South African Firms

On Tuesday, the Nigerian Senate declined to endorse calls for the nationalization of South African businesses following renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa. Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong sponsored a motion urging the federal government to seek written assurances from the South African government regarding the safety of Nigerians living there.

The Senate mandated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa to obtain formal guarantees for the protection of Nigerians and to demand the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the violence. The Senate expressed concern over the repeated attacks on Nigerian businesses and noted that the violence extends beyond undocumented migrants to those with valid residency and work permits.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, called for a comprehensive report on the situation within two legislative weeks and emphasized the need for diplomatic measures to address the ongoing violence.