Nigeria’s National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers, committees and officials to boycott legislative activities hosted or organised by the country until further notice.
The decision followed growing concerns over recurring xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals living and doing business in South Africa.
In a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives said it was “gravely concerned” about reports of continued violence against Nigerians in the southern African country.
The National Assembly said the attacks had resulted in Nigerians being killed, injured and displaced, while others had reportedly been forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties.
“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,” Ogunlana said.
The resolution applies broadly to official engagements involving the National Assembly, its committees, senators, members of the House of Representatives, officials and staff.
It also covers virtual legislative activities and engagements organised or hosted by South African authorities or institutions.
Ogunlana said the directive would be communicated to senators, members of the House of Representatives, committees, departments, directorates and other officials and staff of the National Assembly for compliance.
98 Nigerians reportedly killed since 2022
The latest action comes amid renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa following a series of reported attacks and destruction of property targeting Nigerians and other African nationals.
In July, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, disclosed that official records showed that 98 Nigerians had been killed in mob and hate-related attacks in South Africa since 2022.
The figure has heightened concerns among Nigerian authorities and renewed calls for stronger measures by the South African government to protect foreign nationals.
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The National Assembly leadership said it was particularly concerned by reports of Nigerians being subjected to violence and losing their livelihoods and property as a result of recurring xenophobic incidents.
Boycott not aimed at damaging bilateral ties
Despite the suspension and boycott, the National Assembly stressed that its decision was not intended to undermine Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with South Africa.
Ogunlana said the measure was not designed to damage the historical, diplomatic and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
“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 ensure that those found culpable were prosecuted in accordance with South African law.
The National Assembly said the suspension of official visits and boycott of South African-hosted legislative engagements would remain in force until further notice.
However, the measure could be reviewed by the leadership of the National Assembly depending on developments and the circumstances surrounding the safety and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa.