The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to suspend the issuance of business permits to South African firms operating in Nigeria in response to renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

The lawmakers called for a comprehensive review of bilateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa, including trade and aviation agreements, pending decisive action by South African authorities to curb the attacks and prosecute those responsible.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Donald Ojogo (APC, Ondo) and seconded by Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo) during plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

The lawmakers condemned the latest wave of violence targeting foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians, describing the development as alarming and unacceptable.

They called on the Federal Government to take immediate diplomatic steps to protect Nigerian citizens and halt further attacks.

“The fresh xenophobic violence currently ravaging South Africa has reached an alarming rate to the extent that Nigerian nationals in that country are being selectively targeted,” he said.

According to him, “The House is worried that the lives of two Nigerians, Ekpenyong Andrew and Amaramiro Emmanuel, were killed in separate incidents linked to rising anti-foreigner tensions.

“We are worried that Andrew was arrested on April 19 2026, in Pretoria, following an alleged altercation with officials of the Tshwane Metro Police. His body was later discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary, while Emmanuel died from injuries sustained after being beaten by personnel of the South African National Defence Force on April 20, 2026.

“We are concerned that both incidents were shocking as they involved South African Security personnel. The killings came amid escalating xenophobic hostility, with a viral video showing threats, intimidation, and attempts by mobs to target foreign nationals.

‘The House is also disturbed that the targeted attacks against Nigerian nationals are a demonstration of ingratitude, especially taking into cognisance of the roles of Nigeria in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. The trajectory in South Africa is a recipe for anger and reprisals in Nigeria, and there is a need to prevent such.”

The House urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon the South African High Commissioner to register Nigeria’s displeasure and demand concrete assurances on the safety of Nigerians residing in that country.

The Green Chamber also asked the Federal Government to develop and publicise an evacuation plan for Nigerians willing to return home, particularly those in volatile areas, with provisions for financial and logistical support.

The House mandated its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora to liaise with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria to establish a 24-hour emergency response mechanism and provide legal support for affected Nigerians.

Lawmakers noted that recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa has remained a major source of diplomatic strain, recalling previous outbreaks that led to deaths, destruction of property, and retaliatory tensions.

They emphasised the need for firm and proactive measures to safeguard Nigerians abroad while preventing a deterioration of relations between both nations.