The House of Representatives has called for a comprehensive investigation into the losses, casualties and abandoned properties linked to recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, urging the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic and legal efforts to protect Nigerians living abroad.

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.

Under the resolution, the House Committees on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs are expected to document the human and economic losses suffered by Nigerians during the attacks, compile an inventory of abandoned properties and recommend diplomatic and legal measures to improve the safety of Nigerians in South Africa.

Lawmakers said a thorough assessment of the impact of the attacks was necessary to support affected citizens and strengthen Nigeria’s response to similar incidents in the future.

House Seeks Audit of Recovered Assets

The House also considered a motion seeking a comprehensive audit of all seized, forfeited and recovered assets managed by government institutions since May 29, 1999.

The motion, sponsored by Ibe Osonwa, representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia State, proposed the creation of a national digital registry of recovered assets and the establishment of an ad hoc committee to improve transparency, accountability and legislative oversight in asset management.

State Police Report Received

The House also received the report of the Constitution Review Committee on the proposed establishment of state police.

Other documents presented before lawmakers included reports on the budgets of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, while several bills advanced through different stages of legislative consideration.

PFIPC Probe

Meanwhile, the House Ad Hoc Committee investigating the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) criticised some heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for failing to honour its invitations.

The committee also expressed dissatisfaction with the absence of the Minister of Finance, who was represented by a ministry official, insisting that invited officials must appear personally or risk further legislative action.

Committee Chairman Yusuf Gagdi warned that the panel would not tolerate non-compliance with its directives.

The committee subsequently summoned the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Security Adviser to explain how the council allegedly operated despite concerns over its legitimacy.