The House of Representatives has rejected a proposal seeking to sever Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with South Africa over the recurring xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals.
The proposal was dismissed on Thursday during deliberations on a motion sponsored by Yusuf Gagdi, Chairman of the House Committee on Navy.
Presenting the motion, Gagdi expressed concern over the continued killings, unlawful arrests, displacement, destruction of businesses, and widespread fear faced by Nigerians and other Africans living in South Africa despite years of diplomatic engagement between both countries.
He recalled Nigeria’s significant contribution to South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle through financial support, diplomatic efforts, humanitarian assistance, and political advocacy, describing it as troubling that Nigerians now face persecution in a country whose liberation Nigeria helped support.
Gagdi argued that the repeated attacks and inflammatory comments by some South African public officials undermine the principles of African unity, regional integration, and peaceful coexistence. He also said the violence violates international human rights agreements, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The lawmaker urged the Federal Government to demand an independent, transparent, and internationally monitored investigation into the deaths of Nigerians and other African victims to ensure those responsible are identified and prosecuted. He also called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s bilateral relations with South Africa and recommended suspending cooperation where necessary.
During the debate, Billy Osawaru, representing Edo State, blamed South African security agencies for failing to protect Nigerians, insisting that Nigeria should adopt a tougher response. He proposed an amendment urging the Federal Government to cut diplomatic ties with South Africa.
Kayode Moshood of Lagos State noted that Nigeria invested substantial resources in supporting South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement, funds he said could have been used for the country’s development.
Also contributing, Okey-Joe Onuakalusi called for the names of Nigerians killed in South Africa to be compiled and presented before the International Criminal Court (ICC), urging the government to respond decisively to countries that fail to protect Nigerian citizens.
However, when Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu put the proposal to sever diplomatic ties to a voice vote, the House overwhelmingly rejected it.
Kalu maintained that while Nigeria has the capacity to respond strongly, the country would continue to pursue diplomatic engagement rather than severing relations with South Africa.
