Xenophobia: Nigerian Parliament Suspends Official Engagements With South Africa

By Nafiu Muhammad Lema

The Nigerian National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers and its officials to boycott legislative programmes hosted or organised by the country until further notice.

The decision followed growing concerns over recurring xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals living and doing business in South Africa.

In a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives said it was “gravely concerned” by reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon their businesses and properties.

“The Leadership is particularly concerned by reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties as a result of recurring violent attacks,” Ogunlana said.

The suspension covers official trips by the National Assembly, its committees, lawmakers, departments, directorates, officials and staff. It also extends to virtual legislative engagements organised or hosted by South African authorities.

Ogunlana said the resolution was reached after consultations between the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives.

“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,” he said.

The development comes amid renewed reports of attacks and destruction of property belonging to Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

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

The National Assembly, however, said the measure was not aimed at undermining the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

According to Ogunlana, the decision was “not intended to damage or undermine the longstanding historical, diplomatic and people-to-people relations” between Nigeria and 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,” he added.

The legislature urged the South African government to take immediate steps to protect Nigerians and other African nationals from further attacks.

It also called for thorough investigations into reported incidents, the arrest of suspected perpetrators and prosecution of those found responsible.

“The suspension and boycott shall remain in force until further notice, subject to review by the Leadership of the National Assembly as circumstances warrant,” Ogunlana said.

The resolution is expected to be formally communicated to senators, members of the House of Representatives, committees, departments, directorates and all relevant officials and staff for compliance.