The House of Representatives has directed a comprehensive investigation into the human and economic losses suffered by Nigerians, including abandoned properties, following recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The Green Chamber also called on the Federal Government to step up diplomatic engagement with the South African government, explore legal avenues for redress, and strengthen bilateral cooperation to safeguard the lives, rights and properties of Nigerians living in the country.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Babajimi Benson, during Tuesday’s plenary presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.
Consequently, the House mandated its Committees on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs to undertake a detailed documentation of casualties, injuries, economic losses and properties abandoned by Nigerians during the attacks, with a view to establishing the full extent of the damage.
The committees are also expected to compile a comprehensive inventory of affected properties and recommend diplomatic, legal and policy measures to strengthen the protection of Nigerians in South Africa and improve the country’s response to future xenophobic attacks.
Lawmakers stressed that a comprehensive assessment of the attacks is essential to ensuring adequate support and possible compensation for affected victims, while providing government with reliable data to shape future diplomatic interventions and protect Nigerians in the diaspora.