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.
The decision was contained in a statement signed by Kamoru Ogunlana, Clerk to the National Assembly.
Ogunlana said the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives was “gravely concerned” about reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon their businesses, homes and investments in South Africa.
He said the suspension covers official visits by the National Assembly, its committees, lawmakers, officials and staff, as well as virtual legislative engagements involving South Africa.
According to him, the decision followed consultations between the leadership of both chambers.
The National Assembly said the action was not intended to undermine Nigeria’s longstanding diplomatic and people-to-people relations with South Africa.
Rather, it described the move as an expression of concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in the country.
The legislature called on the South African government to take urgent measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals from further attacks.
It also urged the authorities to thoroughly investigate reported incidents, arrest suspected perpetrators and prosecute those found culpable.
The suspension will remain in force until further notice and may be reviewed by the National Assembly leadership depending on developments.
In July, 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.