The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and will boycott any legislative activities organised or hosted by the country, citing continued xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals.
The resolution followed consultations between Senate and House of Representatives leadership and was announced in a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, on Friday.
Lawmakers said they were troubled by persistent reports of violence, intimidation and property destruction targeting Nigerians in South Africa, including cases where victims were killed, injured, displaced, or forced to abandon their businesses and homes.
The statement noted that the decision came despite repeated appeals from the Nigerian government and other stakeholders urging South African authorities to do more to protect foreign nationals and hold attackers accountable.
“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,” the statement read.
The suspension applies broadly — covering visits by lawmakers, committees, officials and staff, as well as participation in conferences, workshops, seminars and parliamentary exchanges hosted by South African legislative bodies, whether in person or virtual.
Ogunlana has been directed to circulate the resolution across the National Assembly for compliance.
Lawmakers clarified that the move is not meant to damage the historical and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and South Africa, describing it instead as a pointed signal of concern for the safety and dignity of Nigerians doing legitimate business in the country.
They called on South African authorities to take urgent steps to protect Nigerians and other African nationals, investigate the attacks, arrest those responsible, and ensure prosecutions follow. The National Assembly also urged the 36 State Houses of Assembly to consider similar action.
The leadership said the decision would be reviewed depending on how the situation develops, and reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the welfare of Nigerians in South Africa.
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