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 persistent reports of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals.
The decision was reached following consultations between the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives, according to a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, on Friday.
The National Assembly leadership said it was concerned by reports of violence, intimidation, property destruction and other forms of hostility targeting Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa.
It expressed particular concern over reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and forced to leave their businesses, investments, homes and other properties following recurring attacks.
According to the statement, repeated appeals by the Nigerian government and other stakeholders for South African authorities to take decisive measures to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals and prosecute those responsible have not stopped reports of such incidents.
“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,” the statement said.
The resolution applies to official visits by lawmakers, National Assembly committees, officials and staff, as well as participation in conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings, legislative exchanges and other programmes organised or hosted by South African legislative authorities.
The boycott also covers both physical and virtual participation in legislative programmes hosted by South Africa.
The National Assembly leadership subsequently directed the Clerk to communicate the decision to senators, members of the House of Representatives, committees, departments, directorates, officials and staff for strict compliance.
However, the National Assembly stressed that the decision was not intended to undermine the longstanding historical, diplomatic and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
Instead, it described the move as “a strong expression of concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa.”
The federal lawmakers called on the South African government to urgently take concrete measures to safeguard 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, apprehend suspected perpetrators and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The National Assembly leadership further called on the leadership of the 36 State Houses of Assembly to take note of the resolution and consider adopting similar measures.
It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens abroad and said 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 activities will remain in effect until further notice, subject to review by the National Assembly leadership as circumstances warrant.