By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
Nigerian law makers are planning to visit South Africa in order to defend their citizens amid reports of xenophobic attacks and also call for sanctions against South Africa.
The senate of Nigeria has been heavily critical over the alleged violent attacks as well as the South African government’s response to the matter.
These reports follow the recent marches from anti-immigration groups such as Operation Dudula and the March and March movement in certain areas of the country as foreign nationals have been accused of taking opportunities from South Africans.
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola had a telephone call with Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Bianca Odumwegwu-Ojukwu regarding the mistreatment of Nigerian citizens in South Africa.
Senator Victor Umeh has noted that Nigerians in South Africa have been living in fear and facing hardships. “I was in South Africa in 2024. I interacted with the Nigerian High Commissioner and met Nigerian citizens. The stories they told about the hardships and treatment they were subjected to were very grave and worrisome” said Umeh.
“This is 2026 and the Xenophobic attacks have continued. Many are in hiding and cannot conduct their businesses freely” he added.
Umeh has noted that Nigeria has helped South Africa during their fight for liberation during the apartheid regime and has warned that the country should not tolerate the “dehumanisation” of Nigerians.
“The AU should rise and impose all necessary sanctions against South Africa. Nigeria should also consider reprisal measures” said Umeh. Minority leader, Abbo Moro, has been heavily critical of South Africa due to their failure to act promptly.
“What is news here is that the South African government has refused to intervene in the interest of justice. South Africa should respect Nigeria for standing by it during apartheid” said Moro.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called for economic retaliation, including targeting South African companies based in Nigeria.
“It is time to reciprocate. Nigeria should consider withdrawing licenses of companies such as MTN and DSTV” said Oshiomhole.
President of the Nigerian senate Godswill Akpabio has also described these latest attacks on Nigerian citizens as “stone age behaviour” and also heavily criticised the lack of action taken by the South African government.