Senate pressures FG over South Africa, Ghana
The Senate has raised serious concerns over what it described as the “intensifying and intolerable persecution” of Nigerians in South Africa and Ghana, warning that continued attacks could strain diplomatic relations and threaten African unity.
This followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, who presented a disturbing account of widespread violence, harassment and systematic targeting of Nigerians residing in both countries.
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*Senator Bassey raising the motion against Xenophobic attacks of Nigerians in South Africa and Ghana.
The Senate has raised serious concerns over what it described as the “intensifying and intolerable persecution” of Nigerians in South Africa and Ghana, warning that continued attacks could strain diplomatic relations and threaten African unity.
This followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, who presented a disturbing account of widespread violence, harassment and systematic targeting of Nigerians residing in both countries.
Senator Bassey, supported by fellow lawmakers, expressed outrage over recurring incidents reported in April 2026, including killings, destruction of businesses, forced displacement and psychological trauma suffered by Nigerian nationals.
He disclosed that the Senate, in its resolution, condemned the attacks unequivocally and in the strongest terms, describing them as barbaric, unlawful and a direct assault on the dignity of Nigerians.
Bassey lamented that Nigerians were increasingly being profiled, hunted and dehumanised solely because of their nationality, describing the trend as morally reprehensible and a clear violation of international human rights standards.
Addressing journalists, the senator described the situation as a painful irony, recalling Nigeria’s historic contribution to the anti-apartheid struggle and its enduring commitment to African solidarity.
Referring to the motion, he said: “It is deeply troubling that a nation which once stood at the forefront of Africa’s liberation now watches its citizens brutalised on foreign soil.”
He stated that the Senate had called on the Federal Government to immediately intensify diplomatic engagement with South Africa and Ghana, insisting on concrete measures rather than routine assurances.
“The Senate demands immediate diplomatic intervention, transparent investigations into all reported attacks, the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators, as well as enforceable guarantees for the safety of Nigerians,” he said.
He added that the Senate also urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to activate emergency response measures, including evacuation support, legal assistance and trauma care for affected citizens.
Bassey further disclosed that lawmakers were pushing for stronger enforcement mechanisms within ECOWAS and the African Union to hold offending states accountable and prevent future acts of xenophobia.
