Nigeria’s National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and ordered a boycott of South African-hosted legislative activities over recurring reports of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals.
The decision, which takes immediate effect and will remain in force until further notice, was announced by the leadership of the National Assembly following concerns over reports of killings, injuries, intimidation, destruction of property and the displacement of Nigerians living and doing business in South Africa.
The suspension covers official visits by the National Assembly, its committees, lawmakers, officials and staff.
It also extends to conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings, legislative exchanges and other activities organised or hosted by South African legislative authorities.
The boycott includes both physical attendance and participation through virtual or online platforms.
The National Assembly leadership said it was particularly disturbed by reports of Nigerians being killed, injured and forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties as a result of recurring violent attacks.
It noted that despite repeated appeals by the Nigerian government and other stakeholders for South African authorities to take decisive action to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals and prosecute perpetrators, reports of xenophobic incidents have continued to emerge.
The parliament also acknowledged efforts by the Federal Government and other stakeholders to assist affected Nigerians and facilitate the evacuation of Nigerian nationals from South Africa.
The leadership has directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to communicate the resolution to lawmakers in both chambers, committees, departments, directorates, officials and staff for strict compliance.
It stressed that the decision was not intended to undermine the longstanding historical, diplomatic and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
Rather, it said the measure was a strong expression of concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa.
The National Assembly called on the South African government to take urgent and concrete measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals, prevent further xenophobic attacks, thoroughly investigate reported incidents, arrest suspected perpetrators and prosecute those found culpable.
The leadership also urged the leadership of the 36 State Houses of Assembly to take note of the decision and consider adopting similar measures.
The National Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens abroad and said it would continue to monitor developments concerning the safety and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa.
The suspension and boycott will remain in force until further notice and may be reviewed as circumstances warrant.
