The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the human and economic losses suffered by Nigerians during repeated xenophobic attacks in South Africa, as part of efforts to facilitate compensation for victims, strengthen diplomatic engagement and improve the protection of Nigerians living abroad.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Lagos State, Babajimi Benson, during plenary on Tuesday.

Presenting the motion, Benson said that despite years of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa, there had never been a comprehensive assessment of the number of casualties, property destroyed and economic losses incurred by victims.

He recalled Nigeria’s role in the fight against apartheid, noting that the country made significant diplomatic, financial and political contributions to South Africa’s liberation through international advocacy, scholarships, the Southern African Relief Fund and economic sacrifices by Nigerians.

Benson expressed concern that, despite the long-standing relationship between both countries, Nigerians legally residing in South Africa had continued to face recurring xenophobic violence for nearly two decades. He said the attacks had involved killings, mob violence, physical assaults, looting, destruction of businesses and properties, forced displacement and intimidation.

According to him, major outbreaks of xenophobic violence were recorded in 2008, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021, each leading to diplomatic tensions, emergency evacuations of Nigerian citizens and renewed commitments by the South African government to prevent future attacks.

The lawmaker also raised concerns over what he described as a resurgence of organised anti-foreigner campaigns by groups such as Operation Dudula, saying the threats had forced many Nigerians to abandon their homes, businesses and investments while seeking emergency evacuation.

He argued that although previous National Assembly sessions had condemned the attacks and called for diplomatic action, no detailed legislative inquiry had been carried out to determine the actual number of Nigerians killed, injured or displaced, or the total value of losses suffered.

Benson said the absence of verified data had weakened Nigeria’s ability to pursue effective diplomatic engagement, seek justice for victims and formulate appropriate policies.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House mandated its Committees on Integration and Cooperation in Africa and Diaspora, and Foreign Affairs to investigate the casualties, losses and damages suffered by Nigerians during previous and recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

The committees were also directed to compile an inventory of properties abandoned by Nigerians as a result of the attacks and recommend diplomatic initiatives, legal measures and bilateral engagements aimed at ensuring accountability for perpetrators, securing compensation for victims where applicable and strengthening the protection of Nigerians living in South Africa.

The committees are expected to submit their findings to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.