By Clement Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The leadership of the National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers and officials to boycott South African-hosted or organised legislative activities over recurring reports of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals.
The decision was contained in a statement dated September 10, 2026, and signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, Esq.
The National Assembly leadership said it was gravely concerned by reports of violence, intimidation, destruction of property and other forms of hostility directed at Nigerians and other African nationals resident in South Africa.
It expressed particular concern over reports that Nigerians had been killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties following recurring violent attacks.
According to the statement, the development was particularly worrisome because previous appeals by the Federal Government of Nigeria and other stakeholders had urged South African authorities to take decisive measures to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals and bring perpetrators of xenophobic violence to justice.
The lawmakers noted that despite such appeals, reports of xenophobic incidents had continued to emerge.
The National Assembly leadership also acknowledged interventions by the Federal Government and other stakeholders, including efforts to assist affected Nigerians and facilitate the evacuation of Nigerian nationals from South Africa.
It said that following consultations between the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the National Assembly had resolved to suspend all official visits to South Africa and boycott South African-hosted or South African-organised legislative activities and engagements until further notice.
The resolution covers official visits to South Africa by the National Assembly, its committees, lawmakers, officials and staff.
It also extends to participation in conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings, legislative exchanges and other activities organised or hosted by South African legislative authorities.
The boycott further applies to physical participation in South African-hosted legislative programmes as well as participation in such programmes through virtual or online platforms.
The leadership consequently directed the Clerk to communicate the resolution to all senators, members of the House of Representatives, committees, departments, directorates, officials and staff to ensure strict compliance.
The National Assembly leadership 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 described the measure as a strong expression of concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa.
The lawmakers called on the South African government to take urgent and concrete measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals within its territory and prevent further xenophobic attacks.
They also urged the South African authorities to thoroughly investigate reported incidents, arrest suspected perpetrators and prosecute those found culpable in accordance with the law.
The National Assembly leadership further urged the leadership of the various State Houses of Assembly to take note of the decision and consider adopting similar measures.
It reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to protecting Nigerian citizens abroad, saying it would continue to monitor developments concerning the safety and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa.
The suspension of official visits and boycott of South African-hosted legislative engagements will remain in force until further notice, subject to review by the National Assembly leadership as circumstances warrant.
