House of Reps ask FG to review all bilateral agreements with South Africa over xenophobic attacks on Nigerians
The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to suspend and review all bilateral agreements with South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in the country.
The resolution was passed on Tuesday during plenary after lawmakers adopted a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Donald Ojogo, who represents Ilaje/Ese-Odo federal constituency in Ondo State.
At least two Nigerians have reportedly been killed since anti-immigrant tensions escalated in South Africa last month.
Leading the debate, Ojogo described the violence as “alarming,” alleging that Nigerians were being selectively targeted.
He said the victims, identified as Ekpenyong Andrew and Amaramiro Emmanuel, died in separate incidents. According to him, Andrew was arrested on April 19 in Pretoria following an alleged altercation with police officers, and his body was later found in a morgue. Emmanuel, he added, died on April 20 after sustaining injuries from an alleged assault by personnel of the South African National Defence Force.
“Both incidents were shocking as they involved South African security personnel,” Ojogo said, describing the attacks as a “demonstration of ingratitude,” given Nigeria’s historical role in supporting South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle.
He warned that continued tensions could trigger wider instability and possible reprisals.
Presiding over the plenary, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu said Nigeria occupies a significant position in Africa and has consistently supported the development of other nations.
“An attack on any Nigerian anywhere is an attack on Nigerians everywhere. It ought not to be so,” he said.
“Nigerians did not allow the apartheid masters to suppress South Africans. South Africans who are liberated should not put other Africans in their territory in bondage.”
The motion was adopted after a voice vote.
Following its adoption, the House urged the federal government to review all bilateral agreements with South Africa, reassess trade and aviation treaties, and consider targeted economic measures, including the temporary suspension of business permits for new South African companies operating in Nigeria, as well as a review of tax incentives enjoyed by such firms.
The House said the measures should remain in place pending concrete steps by South Africa to halt the attacks, prosecute perpetrators, and compensate victims.
It also mandated its committees on foreign affairs, diaspora affairs, and Africa integration to work with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria to establish a 24-hour emergency response desk and legal aid support fund for affected Nigerians.
The committees are further expected to collaborate with the federal government to develop and publicise an evacuation contingency plan for Nigerians in volatile areas, including logistical and financial support for those willing to return home.