The House of Representatives has urged the federal government to halt all agreements with South Africa following recent attacks on Nigerians in the country.
The decision was reached on Tuesday during plenary after lawmakers approved a motion raised by Donald Ojogo, who represents Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency in Ondo State.
Ojogo said the level of violence against Nigerians in South Africa has become deeply worrying, claiming that they are being deliberately targeted.
He revealed that at least two Nigerians lost their lives after tensions against foreigners increased last month.
According to him, one of the victims, Ekpenyong Andrew, was arrested on April 19 in Pretoria after a reported clash with police officers ,and his body was later discovered in a morgue.
Ojogo added that the second victim, Amaramiro Emmanuel, died after being beaten by members of the South African National Defence Force on April 20.
“Both incidents were shocking as they involved South African security personnel,” the lawmaker said.
He also said the attacks show a lack of appreciation, considering Nigeria’s role in supporting South Africa during the struggle against apartheid.
“The trajectory in South Africa is a recipe for anger and reprisals in Nigeria, and there is a need to prevent such,” he said.
Presiding over the session, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu stressed Nigeria’s importance in Africa, noting that the country has played a major role in helping other nations grow stronger.
“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.”
After the motion was adopted through a voice vote, the House called on 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.”
The lawmakers said these steps should remain in place until South Africa takes clear action to stop the attacks, bring those responsible to justice, and compensate victims.
The House also directed its committees on foreign affairs, diaspora matters, and African integration to work with Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria to set up a 24-hour emergency support desk and provide legal assistance for Nigerians in distress.
The committees were also asked to collaborate with the federal government to create and promote a clear evacuation plan for Nigerians living in high-risk areas, including offering financial and logistical support for those who choose to return home.
KanyiDaily had reported how two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, were killed in South Africa amid rising xenophobic tensions.
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