Nigeria’s National Assembly has taken a fresh diplomatic step in response to reported xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
The federal lawmakers have suspended official visits to South Africa and directed members, committees and National Assembly officials not to participate in legislative events organised or hosted by South African authorities.
The directive was disclosed on Friday by the spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, following consultations between the leadership of both chambers of the National Assembly.
The decision was reached under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen.
The National Assembly said the action became necessary because of reports of continued violence, intimidation and destruction of property involving Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
According to the lawmakers, some Nigerians have allegedly lost their lives or sustained injuries, while others have been displaced from businesses, homes and investments.
The lawmakers said they were also concerned that such incidents had continued despite previous calls on the South African government to take stronger action to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals.
The National Assembly maintained that perpetrators of xenophobic violence must face the law, stressing that the safety of Nigerians abroad remains a matter of serious national concern.
The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, said the directive followed discussions between the Senate and House of Representatives leadership.
For now, the boycott affects official legislative engagements involving South African authorities. The National Assembly did not announce a specific date for lifting the suspension, indicating that the measure will remain in place until further notice.
The development could add fresh pressure to Nigeria-South Africa relations, particularly as both countries maintain significant economic, political and people-to-people ties across the continent.
