ABUJA — The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to take stronger diplomatic measures against South Africa over renewed xenophobic attacks, killings and alleged persecution of Nigerians and other African nationals living in the country. The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance considered by lawmakers as Nigerian authorities continued an evacuation programme for citizens who wished to leave South Africa because of security concerns. The parliamentary action came as 282 Nigerians arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on an Air Peace evacuation flight from South Africa. The returnees included children and other vulnerable persons seeking to leave the country amid growing concerns over anti-foreigner sentiment. The evacuation programme was launched after renewed xenophobic tensions in South Africa. Nigerian officials have been engaging South African authorities while assisting citizens who want to return home. The latest flight was the fourth major evacuation operation carried out under the programme. The Federal Government has said the exercise is intended to provide safe passage for Nigerians who feel threatened or who have chosen to leave the country. Xenophobia has periodically strained relations between Nigeria and South Africa. Nigerians living in South Africa have previously reported attacks, intimidation and discrimination, particularly during periods of heightened anti-immigrant sentiment. South African authorities have also faced pressure to protect foreign nationals and prosecute perpetrators of violence. The latest tensions have generated strong reactions in Nigeria, where citizens and political leaders have demanded greater protection for Nigerians abroad. Lawmakers argued that diplomatic pressure was necessary to ensure that the South African government takes stronger action against those responsible for attacks. At the same time, Nigerian officials have warned against retaliatory violence against South African citizens or businesses in Nigeria. Nigeria and South Africa maintain significant economic and diplomatic relations. South African companies operate extensively in Nigeria, while Nigerian businesses and citizens have established commercial and professional links in South Africa. Any escalation of the dispute could therefore have economic consequences for both countries. The government faces the difficult task of protecting Nigerian citizens while maintaining diplomatic relations with South Africa. Evacuation provides immediate assistance to citizens who want to return, but it does not address the deeper causes of xenophobia. Long-term improvement will require stronger law enforcement, diplomatic engagement and efforts to counter misinformation and hostility toward foreign nationals. Economic conditions in South Africa have also contributed to anti-migrant sentiment. High unemployment and concerns over crime have sometimes been blamed on foreigners, although economic research has challenged simplistic claims that migrants are responsible for unemployment among South Africans. Migrants also contribute to sectors of the economy where labour is required. Nigerian organisations in South Africa have continued to call for protection and justice for victims. Some returnees have described frightening experiences and said they no longer felt safe remaining in the country. The Nigerian government has encouraged citizens who want to return to register through the appropriate channels so that evacuation arrangements can be coordinated. The latest evacuation is therefore both a humanitarian operation and a reflection of the seriousness of the diplomatic dispute. Nigeria and South Africa will need to maintain dialogue to prevent the situation from deteriorating further. Protecting citizens remains a central responsibility of both governments. For Nigeria, the immediate priority is ensuring the safe return of citizens who have requested evacuation. For South Africa, addressing xenophobic violence and ensuring equal protection under the law will be essential to restoring confidence among foreign nationals. The House of Representatives' call for stronger action signals growing domestic pressure on the Nigerian government. How the government balances diplomatic relations with the demand for stronger protection of Nigerians abroad will remain an important issue in the weeks ahead.