The Senate has rejected calls by some lawmakers to nationalise South African companies operating in Nigeria and use the proceeds to compensate Nigerians who have suffered losses from recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
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The proposal, which targeted South African-linked businesses such as MTN and MultiChoice-owned DStv, was rejected by a majority of senators through a voice vote during plenary on Tuesday.
The debate followed a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, on the continued attacks, killings and intimidation of Nigerians in South Africa.
During the debate, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun, representing Lagos Central, urged the Senate to consider nationalising South African companies operating in Nigeria as a retaliatory measure.
Eshinlokun lamented the continued killing of Nigerians and destruction of their businesses and properties in South Africa, arguing that Nigeria must respond firmly.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, supported the proposal, saying the Senate should go beyond expressions of grief and adopt measures that would affect South Africa economically.
Oshiomhole recalled that the Senate had previously resolved to send a delegation to South Africa to engage its government over the attacks, but said there was no clear evidence that the resolution had been implemented.
He argued that Nigerians should not continue to suffer while South African companies continue to make profits from the Nigerian market.
Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, also backed stronger action, saying Nigeria should consider tougher diplomatic measures instead of relying only on engagement.
However, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, opposed the proposal, saying the Senate must first allow proper investigation of the circumstances surrounding the attacks before taking retaliatory action.
Jibrin said the killing of Nigerians in the name of protest was unacceptable, but maintained that Nigeria must act cautiously because of its leadership role in Africa.
“Killing people in the name of protest is not something that should be accepted. It is unacceptable, we cannot allow that, but then we need to be careful, particularly because we live in Africa, we set the pace. Whatever we want to do, we need to be very careful,” he said.
The Deputy Senate President also warned against relying solely on social media reports in assessing the South African government’s position on compensation for affected Nigerians.
He said the relevant Senate committee should first investigate the matter and provide a report before the chamber decides on further steps.
Jibrin consequently urged the lawmakers who proposed nationalisation and other retaliatory measures to withdraw their suggestions and allow the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs to investigate the attacks and report back within two weeks.
The Senate thereafter resolved to mandate the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to obtain written assurances from the South African government on the safety and protection of Nigerians living in that country.
It also called for the arrest and prosecution of persons responsible for violence, intimidation, looting and unlawful enforcement actions against Nigerians and other African migrants.
The chamber further urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa to strengthen emergency consular support for affected Nigerians.
It also called for the establishment of a verified register of Nigerians who have suffered death, injury, displacement, unlawful detention or loss of businesses and property in South Africa, to aid legal redress, restitution and possible compensation.
The Senate also urged the Federal Government to work with other affected African countries and relevant organs of the African Union to establish an early warning and accountability mechanism to prevent xenophobic violence and protect African migrants.
The debate came amid renewed reports of violent attacks on Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa, with videos circulating online showing mobs targeting foreign nationals and their businesses.
There have also been allegations that security officials failed to intervene in some of the attacks, while some Nigerians were reportedly killed in incidents involving South African security personnel.
This is not the first time the National Assembly has debated attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
On May 5, the Senate resolved to send a delegation to South Africa as part of diplomatic efforts to find a lasting solution to the recurring attacks.
The delegation was expected to include members of both chambers of the National Assembly and engage the South African government and parliament on the safety of Nigerians.
However, during Tuesday’s debate, some senators expressed concern that there was no clear public record showing that the delegation had visited South Africa or achieved any concrete outcome.
With the rejection of the nationalisation proposal, the Senate has opted for investigation, diplomatic engagement, written guarantees, prosecution of perpetrators and documentation of victims’ losses as the immediate response to the renewed xenophobic attacks.
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