The House of Representatives has called for a comprehensive investigation into the human and economic losses suffered by Nigerians following recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to strengthen diplomatic engagement with South Africa, pursue appropriate legal measures, and enhance bilateral cooperation to improve the safety and protection of Nigerians living in the country.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Babajimi Benson, during Tuesday’s plenary session presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.
As part of the resolution, the House directed its Committees on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs to document casualties, assess financial losses, compile a record of abandoned properties, and recommend diplomatic and legal measures to better safeguard Nigerians residing in South Africa.
According to lawmakers, conducting a detailed assessment of the attacks will help provide support for affected citizens while strengthening Nigeria’s response to similar incidents in the future.
During the same plenary, the House also considered a motion seeking a comprehensive audit of all seized, forfeited, and recovered assets from May 29, 1999, to date.
The proposal, sponsored by Ibe Osonwa, called for the creation of a national digital register for recovered assets and the establishment of an ad hoc committee to improve transparency, accountability, and legislative oversight in asset management.
The House also received the report of its Constitution Review Committee on the proposed establishment of state police, alongside reports relating to the Nigeria Police Trust Fund budgets and several bills that advanced through different stages of legislative consideration.
Meanwhile, the House Ad Hoc Committee investigating the alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) expressed dissatisfaction with the failure of some heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to honour its invitations.
The committee also faulted the absence of the Minister of Finance, who was represented by a ministry official, insisting that invited public officials should appear personally before the panel.
Chairman of the committee, Yusuf Gagdi, warned that the House would take further legislative action against officials or agencies that failed to comply with its directives.
The committee also summoned the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Security Adviser to provide explanations regarding the operations of the alleged council amid ongoing concerns about its legal status.
