The Senate has directed its Committee on Foreign Affairs to investigate the renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa and submit a report within two weeks to guide the Federal Government’s diplomatic and policy response.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South), with lawmakers unanimously condemning the attacks, which have reportedly claimed lives and led to the destruction of property belonging to Nigerians.

Debate on the Senate floor on Tuesday was heated, as several senators called for stronger action against South Africa. Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) urged President Bola Tinubu to consider severing diplomatic relations with the country if the attacks continue.

“We cannot continue to pretend that those being killed are not Nigerians. We are here to represent Nigerians. What do we mean when we preach caution? We cannot keep condemning these attacks without taking concrete action.

“The centrepiece of Nigeria’s foreign policy must change. Let us sever relations with South Africa. Enough is enough. Silence is no longer golden,” Ningi said.

The senator also disclosed that more than 1,200 Nigerians were being repatriated from South Africa, insisting that the country’s foreign policy should be reassessed in light of the recurring attacks. However, his proposal was rejected by the chamber.

Adding his voice to the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) suggested that profits generated by South African companies operating in Nigeria, including financial institutions, should be appropriated and used to compensate Nigerian victims of xenophobic violence.

“We cannot allow our people to suffer while South African businesses continue to make huge profits in Nigeria. The facts are already clear. We do not need further investigation to know that,” the former Edo State governor said.

However, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary, urged lawmakers to exercise restraint and await the outcome of the committee’s investigation before considering further measures.

“Let the Committee on Foreign Affairs carry out its investigation first. Nigeria is a leader on the African continent and must continue to lead by example. Once we have established the facts, we can take appropriate action. If the report does not satisfy this chamber, then we can consider stronger steps,” he said.

Following Barau’s intervention, Ningi agreed to withdraw his call for the immediate severance of diplomatic ties but requested that Senate records reflect that the motion had been formally moved and seconded.

At the conclusion of deliberations, the Senate mandated the Committee on Foreign Affairs to investigate the recurring attacks and submit its report within two weeks, after which lawmakers will determine recommendations for the Federal Government.

The Senate’s action comes amid a fresh wave of anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa following a June 30 ultimatum reportedly issued by groups demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country. The development has triggered protests, looting and violent attacks, with several foreign nationals of African origin reportedly killed.

In response to the deteriorating situation, a number of African countries, including Nigeria, have begun repatriating citizens who no longer feel safe remaining in South Africa.