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 authorities over concerns about recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals.
The decision was reached by the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives and communicated to lawmakers, committees, departments and staff by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana.
The suspension will remain in force until further notice.
Lawmakers React To Attacks On Nigerians
The National Assembly said it was deeply concerned by reports of Nigerians being killed, injured and displaced in South Africa, with some reportedly forced to abandon their businesses, homes, investments and other properties following violent attacks.
According to the lawmakers, the decision became necessary despite repeated appeals by the Nigerian Government and other stakeholders for South African authorities to take stronger action to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals.
The National Assembly also acknowledged efforts by the Federal Government and other stakeholders to assist affected Nigerians, including moves to evacuate some Nigerian nationals from South Africa.
Physical And Online Engagements Affected
Under the directive, all official visits to South Africa by the National Assembly, its committees, lawmakers, officials and staff have been suspended.
The boycott also covers conferences, seminars, workshops, meetings, parliamentary exchanges and other legislative engagements organised, hosted, sponsored or co-sponsored by South African legislative authorities.
Importantly, the suspension extends to virtual and online meetings, meaning Nigerian lawmakers and officials are also barred from participating remotely in South African-hosted legislative activities.
Existing invitations and proposed programmes involving official visits or legislative engagements in South Africa are also to be reviewed.
No Official Delegation Without Approval
The National Assembly directed that no official delegation, committee, lawmaker, official or staff member should participate in any affected engagement during the suspension without the express approval of the leadership.
The lawmakers said the decision was a firm but measured response to threats to the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and doing legitimate business in South Africa.
‘This Is Not A Break In Diplomatic Relations’
Despite the boycott, the National Assembly stressed that the decision should not be interpreted as an attempt to undermine Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with South Africa.
It described the move as an expression of concern over the treatment and safety of Nigerians in the country.
“While parliamentary diplomacy and inter-legislative cooperation remain important, they must rest on mutual respect and a shared commitment to protecting life, property and lawful enterprise,” the statement said.
South Africa Urged To Act
The National Assembly called on the South African Government to take urgent steps to protect Nigerians and other African nationals living in the country.
It also urged South African authorities to investigate reported attacks, arrest suspected perpetrators and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted according to the law.
The lawmakers said protecting law-abiding foreign nationals and holding perpetrators accountable were essential to maintaining confidence and goodwill between Nigeria and South Africa.
State Assemblies Asked To Consider Similar Action
The National Assembly has also urged the leadership of State Houses of Assembly across Nigeria to take note of the decision and consider similar measures.
The House of Representatives said it would continue monitoring developments concerning the safety and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa.
The suspension will remain in place until further notice and may be reviewed by the leadership of the National Assembly depending on developments surrounding the situation.
The National Assembly nevertheless reaffirmed that Nigeria remains committed to constructive diplomatic and parliamentary relations with South Africa, while insisting that the safety, dignity and legitimate interests of Nigerians abroad must be respected and protected.
