The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to review all bilateral agreements with South Africa, including trade and aviation treaties, in response to what lawmakers described as alarming xenophobic attacks on Nigerians living in the country.
- +Nigeria lawmakers urge review of S’Africa deals after killings of citizens
- +..seeks suspension of business permits, incentives
- +…says 118 Nigerians killed in two years
The House also called for targeted economic measures, including the 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.
..seeks suspension of business permits, incentives
…says 118 Nigerians killed in two years
The House also called for targeted economic measures, including the 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 House wants these measures in place pending demonstrable steps by South Africa to halt the attacks, prosecute perpetrators, and compensate victims.
The resolutions were adopted during the plenary on Tuesday following motions of public importance sponsored by Donald Ojogo, member representing the Ilaje/Ese-odo constituency, and Billy Osawaru, member representing the Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode constituency.
Osawaru, leading the debate on his motion, revealed that in two years, statistics have shown that over 118 Nigerians have been killed.
“Presently, about one Nigerian is killed weekly, while over 200 plus foreigners are killed, named alongside Nigerians as major targets of victims,” he said.
“It is a shame that despite the repeated diplomatic engagement and assurances from the South African government, Nigerian nationals continue to live in fear, putting adequate protection from the South African security agencies, whom on many occasions aid and protect those perpetrating these acts,” the lawmaker added.
He argued that this continued killing and harassment of Nigerians abroad undermines Nigerian sovereignty, taints the international image, and constitutes an affront to the dignity of the Nigerian state.
Ojogo in his debate cited the recent deaths of two Nigerians, Ekpenyong Andrew and Amaramiro Emmanuel, in separate incidents linked to rising anti-foreigner tensions in the country.
He regretted that the targeted attacks against Nigerian nationals were a demonstration of ingratitude, especially taking into cognisance 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 it needs to prevent such”, he warned.
The House further called on the federal government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to immediately summon the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria to convey Nigeria’s displeasure and demand a halt to attacks on Nigerians in South Africa and concrete/time-bound guarantees for the safety of Nigerians.
It also resolved to mandate its Committees on Foreign Affairs, Diaspora and Cooperation and Integration in Africa to liaise with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria to establish a 24-hour emergency response desk and legal aid fund for distressed Nigerians in South Africa and to liaise with the federal government to develop and publicise a comprehensive evacuation contingency plan for Nigerians in volatile provinces, including financial and logistical support for those willing to return home.
The House also mandated its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and Integration in Africa to interface with the South African Parliament through the Pan-African Parliament to demand legislative action against xenophobia and hate crimes and report back in two weeks.
