The National Assembly is committed to protecting the interests, safety and dignity of Nigerians living and working abroad, Rep. Joshua Gana, deputy chairman of the House Committee on Power, has said.
Gana made the declaration Monday at a one day conference on the “Effect of Migration on African Citizens” organised by the African Diaspora Union (AFRIDU) in Abuja, amid renewed concerns over xenophobia and attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
The lawmaker, who represents Lavun, Mokwa and Edati Federal Constituency of Niger State, said the National Assembly had a responsibility to defend Nigerians whenever their rights and interests were threatened in other countries.
“Our duty as Nigerian parliamentarians is to those who elected us. We are to defend the integrity and the people of Nigeria first,” Gana said.
He said the National Assembly’s recent suspension of legislative engagements with South Africa formed part of efforts to protect Nigerians and strengthen Nigeria’s position in diplomatic discussions over the treatment of its citizens abroad.
The National Assembly announced in September that it was suspending official visits to South Africa and boycotting legislative activities hosted or organised by South African authorities following reports of continuing xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals.
Gana called for partnership and skills exchange between African countries, saying migration should provide opportunities for mutual development rather than become a source of hostility and violence.
He also urged relevant government agencies, including institutions responsible for diaspora affairs, to develop stronger policies and support mechanisms for Nigerians seeking legitimate employment and professional opportunities abroad.
According to him, such measures should enable Nigerians overseas to contribute their skills and expertise while receiving appropriate protection of their rights.
Gana pledged to advocate for the recommendations from the AFRIDU conference to be reflected in government policies and actions aimed at protecting Nigerians abroad.
Earlier, AFRIDU President Prof. Chidiebere Ogbu called on African governments to take concrete steps to protect migrants from trafficking, exploitation, xenophobia and other risks associated with unsafe and irregular migration.
Sen. Aniekan Bassey, chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora Affairs and NGOs, also condemned attacks against Africans in other African countries and called for greater cooperation among African states to promote peace and development.
The renewed concerns come after a series of reported attacks and killings involving Nigerians in South Africa. Nigerian authorities said three Nigerians were killed in separate incidents between Sept. 18 and 21, bringing the number of Nigerians killed in South Africa in 2026 to 12 and the total since 2022 to 112.
The developments have placed renewed focus on the protection of African migrants, bilateral relations and the need for governments to address xenophobia while ensuring that legitimate migration, trade and professional mobility continue to contribute to economic and social development across the continent.
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