The House of Representatives has asked the Federal Government to review its diplomatic relationship with South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks and the reported killings of Nigerians and other African nationals in the country.
The resolution was adopted on Thursday after lawmakers debated a motion sponsored by Yusuf Gagdi and Billy Osawaru on the worsening attacks against foreign nationals living in South Africa.
Leading the debate, Gagdi said South Africa had experienced "repeated waves of xenophobic violence targeted at Nigerians and other African nationals," resulting in "the loss of innocent lives, destruction of businesses, unlawful arrests, forced displacement and widespread fear."
He added that "recent reports indicate a fresh escalation of attacks targeting Nigerians, Ghanaians, Zimbabweans, Zambians, Mozambicans, Malawians and other African nationals lawfully residing in South Africa."
The lawmaker also told the House that "the Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed the recent killing of two Nigerian citizens, including one who reportedly died while in South African police custody and another who was brutally murdered in front of his business premises."
Following the debate, the House urged the Federal Government to summon South Africa's High Commissioner to explain the recent killings and state what steps Pretoria is taking to protect Nigerians and other African nationals.
Lawmakers also called for "an independent, transparent, impartial and internationally monitored investigation" into the deaths to ensure those responsible are identified and prosecuted.
The House further asked the government to engage the African Union, the Southern African Development Community, the United Nations and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights.
It also recommended reviewing bilateral relations with South Africa and, where necessary, suspending or recalibrating aspects of cooperation while strengthening consular services, legal assistance, emergency evacuation plans and reintegration support for affected Nigerians.
The resolution comes days after the Senate also warned that Nigeria could reconsider aspects of its relationship with South Africa if attacks on Nigerians continue, reflecting growing concern in Abuja over the safety of Nigerian citizens living in Africa's second-largest economy.
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