The Senate on Tuesday rejected calls by some lawmakers to nationalise South African-owned businesses operating in Nigeria, including telecommunications giant MTN and pay-TV provider DStv, as retaliation for the renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
Instead, the upper chamber directed its Committee on Foreign Affairs to investigate the latest wave of attacks and report its findings within two weeks, as lawmakers renewed demands for stronger diplomatic action to protect Nigerians living in the Southern African nation.
The resolution followed a heated debate on a motion sponsored by the senator representing Cross River South, Asuquo Ekpenyong, who condemned the recurring attacks on Nigerians and urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to safeguard its citizens abroad.
During the debate, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun (Lagos Central) proposed that Nigeria should nationalise South African companies operating within its borders and channel the proceeds towards compensating Nigerians who lost relatives, businesses and property during the attacks.
The proposal received support from former Edo State Governor and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who argued that symbolic condemnations had failed to deter the violence.
Oshiomhole said Nigeria should adopt measures capable of exerting economic pressure on South Africa, recalling that an earlier Senate resolution to send a delegation to engage South African authorities had yet to produce visible results.
Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) also backed the proposal, insisting that Nigeria should move beyond diplomatic rhetoric by adopting tougher measures against South Africa.
However, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary, cautioned against taking hasty decisions without a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attacks.
He acknowledged the killings and destruction suffered by Nigerians but stressed that the country must act responsibly given its leadership role on the African continent.
“Killing people in the name of protest is unacceptable, but we must be careful in the steps we take,” Jibrin said.
The deputy senate president also urged lawmakers not to rely solely on social media reports regarding claims that the South African government had refused to compensate victims.
He explained that available information suggested that compensation issues were tied to disputes over properties located in illegal settlements rather than a blanket refusal by the South African authorities.
Following his intervention, the Senate rejected the proposal to seize South African businesses through a voice vote and instead mandated its Committee on Foreign Affairs to investigate the attacks and recommend appropriate measures within two weeks.
In his motion, Ekpenyong urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to obtain firm assurances from the South African government regarding the safety of Nigerians resident in the country.
He also called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks, looting and intimidation of Nigerians.
The lawmaker further urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa to establish a verified register of Nigerians who have suffered deaths, injuries, displacement, unlawful detention or destruction of property to facilitate compensation and legal redress.
The Senate also urged the Federal Government to work with other African countries and relevant organs of the African Union to establish an early warning mechanism aimed at preventing future xenophobic attacks across the continent.
The debate comes amid renewed violence targeting African migrants in parts of South Africa, where several Nigerians have reportedly been killed and many others displaced in recent weeks.
The Senate had in May resolved to send a delegation led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio to South Africa to engage political leaders over the recurring attacks. However, there has been no official confirmation that the visit took place.
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