The House of Representatives has begun an investigation into the human and economic impact of recurring xenophobic attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa, with the aim of exploring compensation for victims and improving the protection of Nigerian citizens abroad.

The decision followed the adoption of a motion at Tuesday’s plenary, sponsored by Babajimi Benson, the lawmaker representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency in Lagos State.

Presenting the motion, Benson said Nigeria lacked a comprehensive record of deaths, injuries, destroyed businesses and other economic losses suffered by its citizens during the attacks, a gap he noted had weakened the country’s ability to pursue justice, compensation and stronger diplomatic engagement.

He reminded the House of Nigeria’s prominent role in the campaign against apartheid, saying the country provided financial, political and diplomatic backing to South Africa’s liberation movement through international organisations such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the Organisation of African Unity, while also extending educational support through scholarships.

Despite the longstanding relationship between both nations, Benson lamented that Nigerians lawfully residing in South Africa had continued to face repeated xenophobic violence.

He cited major outbreaks of attacks in 2008, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021, which he said led to deaths, destruction of businesses, displacement of residents and strained diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa.

The lawmaker also expressed concern over renewed anti-foreigner campaigns by some groups in South Africa, warning that such activities have heightened fears among Nigerians and disrupted their businesses and investments.

According to him, while successive governments have condemned the attacks and lodged diplomatic protests, the absence of a detailed and official assessment of the losses has limited policy responses and negotiations with South African authorities.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House directed its Committees on Integration and Cooperation in Africa and Diaspora, alongside the Committee on Foreign Affairs, to investigate the casualties, property damage and economic losses arising from past and recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians.

The committees were further instructed to compile a register of properties abandoned by Nigerians because of the violence and recommend legal, diplomatic and policy measures aimed at securing accountability, possible compensation for victims and stronger safeguards for Nigerians residing in South Africa.

The committees are expected to present their findings to the House within four weeks for further legislative consideration.

Nigeria and South Africa enjoy strategic ties in trade, diplomacy and regional cooperation, although recurring xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals have periodically strained relations between the two countries.