The House of Representatives has urged the federal government to review its bilateral agreements with South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in the country.
Gatekeepers News reports that the resolution was passed during Tuesday’s plenary after the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Donald Ojogo, who represents Ilaje/Ese-Odo federal constituency in Ondo state.
At least two Nigerians have reportedly been killed since anti-immigrant tensions escalated in South Africa last month.
Leading the debate, Ojogo described the situation as alarming, alleging that Nigerians are being “selectively targeted”.
He identified the victims as Ekpenyong Andrew and Amaramiro Emmanuel, who died in separate incidents.
According to him, Andrew was arrested on April 19 in Pretoria after an alleged altercation with police officers, and his body was later found in a morgue. Emmanuel, he said, died from injuries sustained after being beaten by personnel of the South African National Defence Force on April 20.
“Both incidents were shocking as they involved South African security personnel,” Ojogo said.
He described the attacks as a “demonstration of ingratitude,” recalling Nigeria’s role in the anti-apartheid struggle.
“The trajectory in South Africa is a recipe for anger and reprisals in Nigeria, and there is a need to prevent such,” he added.
Presiding over plenary, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu said Nigeria holds a significant position on the continent and has historically supported other African nations.
“An attack on any Nigerian anywhere is an attack on Nigerians everywhere. It ought not to be so,” he said.
“Nigerians did not allow the apartheid masters to suppress South Africans. South Africans who are liberated should not put other Africans in their territory in bondage. These are facts.”
Following a voice vote, the motion was adopted.
The house subsequently asked the federal government to “review all bilateral agreements with South Africa, trade and aviation treaties, targeted economic measures, including temporary suspension of issuance of business permits to new South African companies and a review of tax incentives enjoyed by existing South African firms in Nigeria”, pending concrete steps by the country to halt the attacks, prosecute perpetrators and compensate victims.
Lawmakers also mandated relevant committees on foreign affairs, diaspora, and African cooperation to liaise with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria to establish a 24-hour emergency response desk and a legal aid fund for Nigerians in distress.
In addition, the house directed the committees to work with the federal government to develop and publicise a comprehensive evacuation contingency plan for Nigerians in volatile areas, including financial and logistical support for those willing to return home.
