Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio, has said the country will not adopt economic retaliation against South Africa despite persistent xenophobic att@cks on Nigerians.
He maintained that “diplomatic engagement… would be the best option,” stressing that “economic retaliation against businesses would not be the preferred course of action.”
Akpabio dismissed a proposal by Adams Oshiomhole to sanction companies like MTN and DStv, with the motion ruled out on procedural grounds.
The Senate, however, resolved to act, setting up a joint ad hoc committee with the House of Representatives to address the situation.
The panel will carry out a fact-finding and diplomatic visit, engage the South African Parliament, and formally convey Nigeria’s displeasure.
Lawmakers also plan to invite the Foreign Affairs Minister for a briefing and review past bilateral agreements from 2019.
During debate, senators disagreed over whether to hold discussions privately, but the matter was eventually treated openly. Concerns were raised over k+llings, hara§§ment, and psychological trauma faced by Nigerians abroad, with many reportedly targeted due to their nationality.
