The National Assembly has suspended all official legislative visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers to boycott legislative activities hosted or organised by the country over renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals.
The decision followed reports of fresh violence, intimidation and anti-immigrant protests in South Africa, with demonstrators demanding that foreign nationals leave the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday, September 10, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, said the joint leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives approved the suspension in response to concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa.
According to the statement, the measure covers “all official visits” to South Africa as well as “South African-hosted or South African-organised legislative activities and engagements” until further notice.
The National Assembly said the decision reflected its “grave concern for the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad.”
It urged the South African government to take immediate and concrete steps to protect Nigerians and other African nationals, investigate reported attacks, apprehend suspected perpetrators and prosecute those found responsible.
The suspension and boycott will remain in place until further notice, with the National Assembly leadership expected to review the decision as developments unfold.
The latest unrest has also triggered concerns over the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in South Africa. The Nigerian government has repatriated about 1,490 citizens amid the crisis, while reports have emerged of attacks, property losses and difficulties relating to residency status.
Nigerians have previously been affected by major xenophobic violence in South Africa, including outbreaks in 2008, 2015 and 2019. Nigerian officials have said at least 98 Nigerians have been killed in xenophobic attacks since 2022.
The Federal Government has condemned the latest attacks and taken steps to evacuate affected Nigerians while engaging South African authorities.
During bilateral discussions in Abuja in July, Nigeria demanded stronger protection for its citizens in South Africa. The South African government, in response, pledged to prosecute those responsible for the violence while maintaining that the attacks were not state-sponsored.
The renewed attacks have also drawn condemnation from both chambers of the National Assembly.
The Senate called for stronger measures to protect Nigerians, including written guarantees of their safety and justice for victims, while the House of Representatives demanded an investigation into the attacks and the losses suffered by Nigerians in South Africa.
