Lawmakers at the House of Assembly
House of Representatives has called for a detailed investigation into the deaths, losses and abandoned properties of Nigerians affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to strengthen diplomatic efforts and legal action to protect Nigerians living in South Africa and seek compensation for victims.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Babajimi Benson during Tuesday’s plenary presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.
The House directed its Committees on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs to document the human and economic losses, compile abandoned properties and recommend measures to better protect Nigerians abroad.
Lawmakers said the assessment would help provide support for victims and improve Nigeria’s response to future xenophobic attacks.
During the same sitting, the House also considered a motion seeking a comprehensive audit of all seized, forfeited and recovered assets from May 29, 1999, to date.
The motion, sponsored by Ibe Osonwa, proposed the creation of a national digital registry for recovered assets and an ad hoc committee to strengthen transparency and accountability.
The House also received the Constitution Review Committee’s report on the proposed establishment of state police alongside reports on the Nigeria Police Trust Fund budgets.
After plenary, the House Ad Hoc Committee investigating the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council criticised several heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies for failing to honour its invitation.
Committee Chairman Yusuf Gagdi warned that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the National Security Adviser and other invited officials must appear before the panel or face further legislative action.
