Nigeria Hits Back At South Africa Over Xenophobia As Senate, Reps Halt Visits

The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and announced a boycott of legislative activities organised or hosted by the country until further notice, following renewed reports of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals.

The decision was reached after consultations between the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives, according to a statement issued by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, on Friday.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the National Assembly expressed deep concern over reports of killings, injuries, intimidation, displacement and destruction of property allegedly suffered by Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa.

The lawmakers said they were particularly disturbed by reports that some Nigerians had been forced to abandon their businesses, homes, investments and other properties because of recurring attacks.

The National Assembly noted that the decision followed repeated reports of xenophobic incidents despite previous appeals by the Nigerian government and other stakeholders for South African authorities to improve the protection of Nigerians and other foreign nationals and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

Under the new directive, all official visits to South Africa by lawmakers, National Assembly committees, officials and staff have been suspended.

The boycott also extends to South African-hosted or South African-organised conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings, legislative exchanges and other official engagements.

The National Assembly said the suspension would remain in place until further notice, signalling a stronger institutional response to the concerns surrounding the treatment of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

The lawmakers also called on the South African authorities to take concrete steps to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals, investigate reported attacks, apprehend suspects and ensure that those found responsible are prosecuted.

The development marks a significant diplomatic and legislative response from Nigeria’s federal lawmakers as concerns over xenophobic violence and the safety of Nigerians in South Africa continue to attract attention.