Lawmakers urge President Tinubu administration to pursue diplomatic and legal action as House intensifies scrutiny of attacks on Nigerians abroad.
The House of Representatives has called for a comprehensive investigation into the losses, casualties and abandoned properties resulting from recent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Babajimi Benson, representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, during Tuesday’s plenary presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.
Lawmakers directed the House Committees on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs to document the human and economic losses suffered by Nigerians, compile an inventory of abandoned assets and recommend diplomatic and legal measures to safeguard citizens residing in South Africa.
The House also urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic engagements with South African authorities and strengthen bilateral cooperation to ensure the safety and protection of Nigerians living in the country.
According to the lawmakers, a detailed assessment of the attacks is necessary to provide support for affected victims and improve Nigeria’s response to similar incidents in the future.
During the plenary, the House also considered a motion seeking a comprehensive audit of all seized, forfeited and recovered assets in Nigeria since May 29, 1999.
The motion, sponsored by Ibe Osonwa, calls for the establishment of a national digital registry for recovered assets and the creation of an ad hoc committee to improve transparency and accountability in asset management.
Meanwhile, the House received the report of the Constitution Review Committee on the proposed establishment of state police, alongside reports relating to the Nigeria Police Trust Fund budgets.
Shortly after plenary, the House Ad Hoc Committee investigating the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) criticised several heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies for failing to honour its summons.
Chairman of the committee, Yusuf Gagdi, warned that invited officials, including the Minister of Finance, must appear before the panel in person or risk further legislative action.
The committee also summoned the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Security Adviser over concerns surrounding the operations and legitimacy of the disputed council.