Nigeria’s Senate has ruled out economic retaliation against South Africa, opting instead for diplomatic engagement over recent xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians.
Speaking during plenary, Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio dismissed calls to suspend the operating licenses of major South African firms such as MTN and DSTV. The proposal had been put forward by Senator Adams Oshiomhole as a response to the attacks.
Akpabio made it clear that punitive economic measures would not serve Nigeria’s broader interests. “We will not adopt retaliatory actions that could harm economic relations between both countries,” he said, emphasizing that diplomacy remains the most effective path forward.
He acknowledged the gravity of the situation, noting that lawmakers take the reported incidents seriously and are committed to addressing them urgently. “These attacks are unacceptable, and the Senate will engage decisively to protect Nigerians abroad,” he added.
Rather than sanctions, the Senate resolved to establish a joint ad hoc committee comprising members of both chambers of the National Assembly. The committee will undertake a fact-finding mission to South Africa and pursue diplomatic channels aimed at resolving the crisis.
As part of its assignment, the delegation is expected to engage directly with the South African Parliament to formally convey Nigeria’s concerns. Lawmakers also plan to communicate with the Speaker of the South African Parliament and invite Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to provide a detailed briefing on ongoing diplomatic efforts.
In addition, the Senate backed a motion by Simon Lalong calling for a reassessment of agreements reached during the 2019 Nigeria–South Africa bilateral meeting, with the aim of ensuring their full implementation.
The Senate leadership maintains that sustained dialogue, rather than economic confrontation, offers the best chance of achieving long-term stability and protecting Nigerian citizens in South Africa.
