By Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka
The Senate on Tuesday passed a resolution condemning the continued killing of Nigerians in South Africa, with Senator Ahmed Lawan moving a motion to strengthen legal and diplomatic protections for citizens abroad.
Senators Orji Uzor Kalu, Adamu Alero, and Adams Oshiomhole joined others in denouncing the violence, describing it as unlawful and inconsistent with African unity and international human rights standards. They stressed that Nigeria must respond with firm but diplomatic action to safeguard its diaspora.
The Senate resolved to enhance coordination structures for Nigerians facing persecution abroad, including establishing a diaspora distress desk at Nigerian embassies and consulates. The center is to provide real-time protection, emergency assistance, temporary shelters, legal representation, and trauma support services through the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies.
Lawmakers also mandated the Senate Committee on Diaspora to collaborate with NGOs in investigating recurring attacks on Nigerians and to engage with affected citizens, diplomatic missions, and international partners. The goal is to ensure accountability and prevent further incidents through stronger regional enforcement mechanisms with the African Union and the Pan-African Parliament.
In an additional prayer, the Senate approved the constitution of a joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives, to be led by the Senate President, to undertake an immediate visit to South Africa. The delegation is expected to engage South African authorities and seek a lasting resolution to the crisis.
The chamber further resolved to review the outcomes of the 2019 parliamentary engagement with South Africa and to ensure that previous resolutions are made available to the Senate for follow-up. Senators emphasized that the review would help assess implementation and identify gaps in bilateral commitments.
While rejecting calls for economic retaliation against South African businesses, the Senate said it would pursue diplomatic engagement and demand justice, reparation, and compensation for victims. It also resolved to send a formal letter of condemnation to the South African Parliament before the planned visit and to invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs to brief the Senate on return.
The session ended with a minute’s silence in honor of Nigerians and other Africans who have been killed unjustly in South Africa, as lawmakers pledged to work with the House of Representatives to produce actionable plans to protect citizens abroad.
