Nigerian Legislators Demand Sanctions And Plan Visit To South Africa Amid Xenophobia Concerns

Nigerian lawmakers from both the Senate and the House of Representatives have strongly condemned reported mistreatment and violence against Nigerian nationals in South Africa. They are calling for diplomatic pressure, potential economic sanctions, and have announced plans for a parliamentary fact-finding visit to Pretoria.

The reactions stem from anti-immigrant protests in South Africa during late April 2026. Groups such as Operation Dudula and the March and March Movement organised demonstrations in cities including Pretoria and Johannesburg. Protesters demanded stricter controls on illegal immigration, priority employment for South Africans, and the deportation of undocumented foreigners. They accused some foreign nationals of involvement in crime and job displacement. Marches reached the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where memoranda were submitted. Some businesses closed temporarily amid fears of disruption.

Nigerian authorities have raised particular concern over the deaths of two citizens in incidents linked to South African security forces in April 2026. Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro died on 25 April at Livingstone Hospital in the Eastern Cape following an alleged assault by South African National Defence Force personnel on 20 April in Port Elizabeth. A second Nigerian national, Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong, died around 21 April while in custody or after an encounter with Tshwane Metro Police, with his body later found at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.

Nigerian officials stated that no Nigerians were killed and no Nigerian-owned properties were destroyed during the main protest actions between 27 and 29 April, describing those events as largely peaceful despite security forces using tear gas in some areas. However, the government has demanded thorough investigations, autopsies, and enhanced protection for its citizens. Plans are underway for the voluntary repatriation of more than 130 Nigerians who wish to return home due to safety fears.

In the Nigerian Senate, debate on 5 and 6 May 2026 was intense. Senator Victor Umeh shared experiences from a 2024 visit to South Africa, noting accounts of hardship faced by Nigerians and warnings from the Nigerian High Commission. He described how many Nigerians in 2026 were living in fear, forced to hide, and unable to conduct business normally. Umeh highlighted Nigeria’s historical support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle and called for African Union involvement, including possible sanctions, as well as reciprocal measures by Nigeria.

Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro criticised the South African government for inadequate intervention. Senator Adams Oshiomhole proposed economic retaliation, including measures against South African companies operating in Nigeria such as MTN and DStv. Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred to the situation as unacceptable “Stone Age behaviour” and faulted South African authorities for lacking decisive action. The Senate agreed to establish an ad hoc committee, possibly in conjunction with the House, to undertake a fact-finding and diplomatic mission to South Africa.

In the House of Representatives, a motion of urgent national importance was tabled by members including Donald Ojogo and Billy Osawaru. The House condemned the reported attacks, called for the safe evacuation of Nigerians who wish to leave, and urged a review of diplomatic ties, trade agreements, aviation pacts, and business licences for South African companies in Nigeria. Lawmakers pressed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to demand better protection for Nigerian citizens.

Diplomatic efforts have included a telephone conversation between South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, and Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, around 5 May. Nigeria had earlier summoned South Africa’s acting high commissioner in Abuja. South African leaders, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, have publicly condemned xenophobic violence and looting while emphasising the need for all foreigners to comply with local laws and addressing concerns over irregular migration. Both countries previously signed a 2019 Memorandum of Understanding on an early warning mechanism for xenophobic incidents.

Nigerian parliamentarians have repeatedly referenced Nigeria’s past contributions to the fight against apartheid as justification for expecting reciprocal treatment and stronger African solidarity. Concerns have also been raised by other African nations, including Ghana.

As of early May 2026, the issue continues to strain relations between Nigeria and South Africa. Nigerian legislators are pushing for accountability over the reported deaths, concrete protection measures for their nationals, and potential consequences for South African interests if the situation does not improve. The planned parliamentary delegation is intended to engage directly with South African authorities to seek lasting solutions.