Reps to Probe Nigerians’ Losses from Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the human and economic losses suffered by Nigerians due to repeated xenophobic attacks in South Africa.  

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Babajimi Benson, representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency in Lagos State, during plenary on Tuesday.

Benson highlighted Nigeria’s historical support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle through significant diplomatic, financial, and political sacrifices.

Despite this, he noted that Nigerians lawfully residing in South Africa have faced xenophobic violence for nearly two decades, including killings, assaults, arson, looting, and forced displacement.

He expressed concern over the resurgence of anti-foreigner campaigns, such as those by groups like Operation Dudula, and recalled major outbreaks in 2008, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2021 that led to diplomatic tensions and emergency evacuations.

The lawmaker lamented that previous National Assembly condemnations and diplomatic efforts lacked a comprehensive investigation into the number of Nigerians killed, injured, displaced, or the value of properties and businesses destroyed.

“Condemnation and diplomatic protests without a corresponding institutional effort to comprehensively document the losses… have denied the Federal Government and the National Assembly an authoritative evidential basis for policy formulation, legislative intervention and sustained diplomatic negotiations,” Benson said.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House directed its Committees on Integration and Cooperation in Africa and the Diaspora, as well as Foreign Affairs, to conduct a thorough investigation into casualties, property losses, and damages.

The committees are also tasked with compiling an inventory of affected properties and recommending diplomatic, legal, and bilateral measures to ensure accountability, secure compensation for victims where possible, and enhance the protection of Nigerians in South Africa.

They have four weeks to submit their report.

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