The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and announced a boycott of legislative activities organised or hosted by the country over continued reports of xenophobic attacks against 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 on Friday by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana.
The lawmakers expressed concern over reports of violence, intimidation, destruction of property and attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa.
The National Assembly said it was particularly worried by reports of Nigerians being killed, injured and displaced, with some reportedly forced to abandon their homes, businesses and investments.
According to the statement, the decision followed repeated reports of xenophobic incidents despite calls on the South African government to improve the protection of Nigerians and other foreign nationals and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
The National Assembly said the suspension would remain in place until further notice.
The measure affects official visits by lawmakers, committees, National Assembly officials and staff. It also covers conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings, legislative exchanges and other programmes organised or hosted by South African legislative authorities.
The boycott will apply to both physical and virtual legislative engagements.
Ogunlana was directed to communicate the decision to senators, members of the House of Representatives, committees, departments, directorates and other relevant officials for compliance.
The National Assembly stressed that the decision was not aimed at damaging the longstanding diplomatic and people-to-people relationship between Nigeria and South Africa.
Rather, it described the action as a strong expression of concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and doing legitimate business in South Africa.
The lawmakers called on the South African government to take urgent steps to protect Nigerians and other African nationals in the country and prevent further xenophobic attacks.
They also urged the authorities to investigate reported incidents, arrest suspects and prosecute anyone found responsible in accordance with the law.
The National Assembly further asked the leadership of the 36 State Houses of Assembly to take note of the decision and consider adopting similar measures in response to the reported attacks.
It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad and said it would continue to monitor developments concerning the safety and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa.
The lawmakers added that the decision could be reviewed depending on developments concerning the safety and welfare of Nigerians in the country.
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