Nigeria’s National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers, committees, officials and staff to boycott legislative activities organised or hosted by South African authorities.
The decision was taken in response to continuing reports of xenophobic attacks, violence, intimidation and destruction of property involving Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa.
The directive was communicated by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, following consultations between the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
National Assembly Expresses Concern Over Nigerians
The National Assembly said it was particularly concerned by reports of Nigerians being killed, injured and displaced as a result of recurring violent attacks.
According to the legislative leadership, some Nigerians have also been forced to abandon their businesses, homes, investments and other properties amid the worsening situation.
The lawmakers noted that repeated appeals by the Nigerian government and other stakeholders for South African authorities to take stronger measures had not stopped reports of attacks against foreign nationals.
The National Assembly also acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts to assist affected Nigerians and facilitate the evacuation or return of citizens from South Africa.
Boycott Covers Parliamentary Activities
The suspension is broader than a ban on physical visits.
It covers official trips to South Africa by National Assembly members, committees, officials and staff. It also affects conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings, legislative exchanges and other engagements organised, hosted, sponsored or co-sponsored by South African legislative authorities.
The directive further applies to virtual and online meetings, meaning Nigerian lawmakers and officials are also barred from participating remotely in affected programmes without prior approval from the National Assembly leadership.
Existing invitations, planned programmes and arrangements involving official legislative engagements in South Africa are to be reviewed in line with the new directive.
South Africa Urged to Protect Nigerians
The National Assembly called on the South African government to take urgent and concrete measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals living and conducting legitimate businesses in the country.
It also urged South African authorities to investigate reported incidents of violence, arrest suspected perpetrators and prosecute those found responsible in accordance with the law.
The Nigerian lawmakers said protecting the lives, dignity and legitimate interests of Nigerians abroad remained a priority.
NASS Says Decision Does Not End Nigeria-South Africa Relations
Despite the boycott, the National Assembly stressed that the decision was not intended to undermine the longstanding historical, diplomatic and people-to-people relationship between Nigeria and South Africa.
Rather, lawmakers described the measure as a strong expression of concern over the safety and welfare of Nigerians in the country.
The National Assembly also urged the leadership of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly to take note of the decision and consider similar measures where appropriate.
The suspension will remain in place until further notice, although the National Assembly leadership may review the decision depending on developments.
The move adds legislative pressure to Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to persuade South African authorities to address recurring xenophobic attacks and improve the protection of Nigerians living in the country.
