The House of Representatives has directed its Committees on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs to investigate the losses, damages and casualties suffered by Nigerians during recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa, while also calling for a comprehensive inventory of properties abandoned by affected citizens.
The lawmakers said the investigation is expected to provide the Federal Government with credible documentation to pursue compensation, strengthen diplomatic engagement with South Africa and improve the protection of Nigerians living in the country.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Babajimi Benson, during plenary presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.
Moving the motion, Benson recalled Nigeria’s significant diplomatic, political and financial support for South Africa’s liberation from apartheid, but expressed concern that Nigerians legally residing in the country have continued to face repeated attacks, intimidation and discrimination for nearly two decades.
He noted that major outbreaks of xenophobic violence recorded in 2008, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021 resulted in deaths, destruction of businesses, looting, arson and the displacement of many Nigerians.
According to him, recent anti-foreigner campaigns by groups such as Operation Dudula have heightened fear among African migrants, forcing many Nigerians to abandon homes, businesses, investments and other valuable property while seeking safety.
“Despite repeated public condemnation and diplomatic protests after every wave of xenophobic violence, there has been no comprehensive institutional effort to document the losses suffered by Nigerians.
This has denied both the Executive and the National Assembly the evidential basis required for policy formulation, legislative intervention and sustained diplomatic negotiations,” Benson said.
The House consequently mandated the joint committees to document the human and economic losses suffered by Nigerians, compile an inventory of abandoned properties and recommend appropriate diplomatic initiatives, legal mechanisms and bilateral engagements to ensure accountability for perpetrators and adequate protection for Nigerians still residing in South Africa.
The committees are expected to report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.
The latest resolution comes weeks after the Federal Government commenced the voluntary evacuation of Nigerians willing to return home following renewed anti-immigrant protests in South Africa.
Hundreds of Nigerians have since been airlifted to Lagos, while authorities disclosed that documentation of businesses, vehicles and other assets abandoned by returnees had begun as part of efforts to seek compensation from the South African government.
The House said a comprehensive legislative inquiry has become necessary not only to establish responsibility for the recent attacks but also to assess the cumulative human, economic and social impact of xenophobic violence against Nigerians over the years.
Lawmakers believe the findings will help shape future legislation, strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with South Africa and provide a framework for compensation and reparations for affected citizens.
The House’s intervention also follows a similar resolution by the Senate earlier this month directing its Committee on Foreign Affairs to investigate the renewed xenophobic attacks and recommend appropriate diplomatic and policy responses.
Lawmakers in both chambers have expressed concern over the recurring violence and called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to safeguard the lives, rights and property of Nigerians living abroad.
