The Senate on Tuesday threatened far-reaching diplomatic action against South Africa over the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians.

The Senate warned that Nigeria could review its diplomatic relations with Pretoria if the violence persists.

The Red Chamber, during plenary, unanimously condemned the reported killings, harassment, intimidation and destruction of businesses belonging to Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

It described the attacks as unacceptable and a threat to African unity.

Following a motion sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, lawmakers urged the Federal Government to obtain firm assurances from the South African authorities on the safety of Nigerians residing in the country and to demand the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks.

The Senate also directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa to compile a comprehensive register of Nigerians who have suffered death, injuries, displacement, unlawful detention or loss of property with a view to pursuing legal redress and compensation.

In addition, lawmakers called on the Federal Government to collaborate with other affected African countries and the African Union to establish an early warning and accountability mechanism aimed at preventing future xenophobic attacks across the continent.

The Senate further mandated its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs to investigate the latest attacks, review the implementation of its May 5, 2026 resolution on xenophobia, assess previous bilateral agreements between Nigeria and South Africa, and submit a report within two legislative weeks.

During the debate, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) argued that repeated condemnations had failed to halt the attacks and urged President Bola Tinubu to begin the process of severing diplomatic relations with South Africa should the violence continue.

However, the proposal was stepped down pending the outcome of the committee's investigation.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) also advocated stronger economic measures, suggesting that profits earned by South African companies operating in Nigeria should be appropriated and used to compensate Nigerian victims of xenophobic attacks.

The proposal was equally deferred pending further legislative consideration.

While supporting a tougher response, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi cautioned against hasty decisions, arguing that the attacks could be part of a broader plot to destabilise the South African government, and urged the Senate to proceed with caution.