The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers and officials to boycott legislative activities hosted or organised by the country over recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals.
The decision was contained in a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, on Friday.
According to the statement, the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives reached the decision following concerns over reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon their businesses, homes, investments and other properties in South Africa.
“The leadership is particularly concerned by reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties as a result of recurring violent attacks,” the statement said.
The resolution applies to official visits by the National Assembly, its committees, lawmakers, officials and staff. It also covers virtual legislative activities hosted or organised by South Africa.
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Ogunlana said the decision followed consultations between the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
“In view of these developments and following consultations between the Leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the National Assembly has resolved to suspend all official visits to the Republic of South Africa and to boycott South African-hosted or South African-organised legislative activities and engagements until further notice,” he said.
The Clerk is expected to communicate the resolution to senators, members of the House of Representatives, committees, departments, directorates, officials and staff for compliance.
Decision Not To Undermine Bilateral Relations
The National Assembly said the suspension was not intended to undermine the longstanding diplomatic and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
Ogunlana said the measure was instead aimed at expressing concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa.
“Rather, it is a strong expression of concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa,” he said.
The legislature called on the South African government to take urgent and concrete measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals from further xenophobic attacks.
It also urged the authorities to thoroughly investigate reported incidents, arrest suspected perpetrators and prosecute those found culpable in accordance with the law.
The National Assembly said the suspension and boycott would remain in force until further notice, subject to review by its leadership as circumstances warrant.
The decision comes amid renewed concerns over attacks and destruction of property targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
In July, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, said official records showed that 98 Nigerians had been killed in mob and hate-related attacks in South Africa since 2022.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.