…Lawmakers boycott South African-hosted legislative engagements until further notice

Nigeria’s National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers and officials to boycott legislative activities hosted or organised by the country until further notice over recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians.

The decision followed consultations between the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives, according to a statement signed by Kamoru Ogunlana, Clerk to the National Assembly.

The leadership said it was “gravely concerned” by reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties in South Africa.

“In view of these developments and following consultations between the Leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the National Assembly has resolved to suspend all official visits to the Republic of South Africa and to boycott South African-hosted or South African-organised legislative activities and engagements until further notice,” Ogunlana said.

The directive covers official visits by the National Assembly, its committees, lawmakers, officials and staff. It also extends to virtual legislative activities and engagements hosted or organised by South Africa.

Ogunlana is expected to communicate the resolution to senators, members of the House of Representatives, committees, departments, directorates, officials and staff for compliance.

Decision not aimed at damaging bilateral relations.

The National Assembly said the decision was not intended to undermine Nigeria’s “longstanding historical, diplomatic and people-to-people relations” with South Africa.

“Rather, it is a strong expression of concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa,” Ogunlana said.

The legislature called on the South African government to take “urgent and concrete measures” to protect Nigerians and other African nationals from further xenophobic attacks.
It also urged the authorities to thoroughly investigate reported incidents, arrest suspected perpetrators and prosecute those found culpable in accordance with the law.

In July, Sola Enikanolaiye, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said official records indicated that 98 Nigerians had been killed in mob and hate-related attacks in South Africa since 2022.

The National Assembly said the suspension and boycott would remain in force until further notice, subject to review by its leadership as circumstances warranted.