The House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to investigate the human and economic losses suffered by Nigerians in repeated xenophobic attacks in the Republic of South Africa, citing years of killings, destruction of businesses, forced displacement and growing anti-foreigner campaigns targeting African migrants.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos), who argued that despite decades of diplomatic protests and condemnations, Nigeria has never undertaken a comprehensive assessment of the casualties and economic damage suffered by its citizens in South Africa.
Presenting the motion during plenary, Mr Benson recalled Nigeria’s historic role in South Africa’s liberation struggle against apartheid, noting that the country committed significant diplomatic, financial and political resources to the anti-apartheid movement.
He said Nigeria championed South Africa’s cause at the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the Organisation of African Unity, established the Southern African Relief Fund, awarded educational scholarships to South Africans and imposed economic sacrifices on its own citizens in support of the struggle for freedom.
According to him, despite that longstanding relationship, Nigerians lawfully residing in South Africa have remained victims of recurrent xenophobic violence for nearly two decades.
