LATEST NEWS: Nigeria’s National Assembly Suspends Official Visits to South Africa Over Attacks on Nigerians

Nigeria’s National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and ordered lawmakers and officials to boycott legislative activities hosted or organised by South African institutions until further notice.

The decision follows growing concerns over recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

The resolution was announced by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, following consultations between the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The National Assembly said it was seriously concerned by reports of Nigerians being killed, injured and displaced, with some reportedly forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties.

Under the new directive, official visits involving the National Assembly, its committees, lawmakers, officials and staff to South Africa are suspended. The boycott also covers South African-hosted or South African-organised legislative activities and engagements, including virtual engagements.

The National Assembly stressed that the decision was not intended to damage Nigeria’s longstanding diplomatic and people-to-people relations with South Africa.

Instead, lawmakers 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 also called on the South African government to take urgent measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals, investigate reported attacks, arrest suspected perpetrators and prosecute those found responsible.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, said in July that official records indicated that 98 Nigerians had been killed in mob and hate-related attacks in South Africa since 2022.

The latest parliamentary decision will remain in force until further notice, although the National Assembly leadership may review it depending on developments.

The move comes amid renewed diplomatic concerns between Nigeria and South Africa over the safety of Nigerians in the country.