The Nigerian Senate was thrown into a heated and emotionally charged session on Tuesday following renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
Lawmakers were sharply divided during the debate, with some calling for firm retaliatory measures, while others urged diplomatic engagement to address the situation.
The discussion was triggered by a motion of urgent national importance, during which several senators expressed outrage over reported cases of killings, displacement, and harassment of Nigerians living abroad, particularly in South Africa and Ghana.
Describing the incidents as “barbaric, dehumanising, and unacceptable,” lawmakers warned that continued attacks on Nigerian citizens overseas demand decisive action from the government.
In a related development, the ECOWAS Parliament directed its Committee on Political Affairs to intervene and develop proposals for consideration at plenary, signaling regional concern over the growing trend of xenophobic violence.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives Nigeria called on the Federal Government to consider suspending the issuance of business permits to South African companies operating in Nigeria as part of a potential response.
The developments highlight increasing pressure on Nigerian authorities to balance diplomatic relations with the need to protect citizens abroad, as concerns over safety and international relations continue to mount.
