The Nigerian National Assembly has officially suspended all official visits to South Africa and has initiated a complete boycott of South African-hosted or South African-organised legislative activities.

This directive follows intensive consultations between the leadership of the country’s Senate and the House of Representatives and is a response to reports of xenophobic violence, intimidation and the targeted destruction of property belonging to Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa.

In an official communication conveying the directive, the Clerk to the National Assembly Kamoru Ogunlana, expressed the legislative body’s “profound concern” over the escalating hostility, noting reports of Nigerian citizens being killed, injured, displaced, and forced to abandon their homes, investments, and legitimate businesses due to recurring violent attacks.

Of particular frustration to Nigerians is the “systematic failure” of South African authorities to curb the violence.

The National Assembly pointed out that despite repeated appeals from the federal government of Nigeria and regional stakeholders demanding decisive measures to protect foreign nationals and bring perpetrators to justice, the attacks have persisted with minimal legal accountability.

The National Assembly acknowledged ongoing federal interventions, including State-backed efforts to evacuate vulnerable Nigerian nationals.

The National Assembly emphasised that such emergency measures underscore the gravity of the crisis and reinforce the constitutional responsibility of Nigerian State institutions to safeguard the lives, dignity and interests of citizens abroad.

Following the joint resolution by parliamentary leaders, the suspension of engagements takes effect immediately and remains in force until further notice.

The ban is comprehensive and applies to all planned visits to South Africa by the National Assembly, its standing committees, lawmakers, and administrative staff.

Participation in conferences, seminars, workshops and parliamentary exchanges hosted, organised, or co-sponsored by the Parliament of South Africa is strictly prohibited.

The National Assembly pointed out that the restriction applies to physical travel and online or virtual meetings hosted by South African legislative institutions.

The National Assembly has urged the leadership of State Houses of Assembly across Nigeria's 36 states to adopt similar retaliatory measures.

The Clerk made it clear that no official delegation or individual may bypass this directive without prior express approval from the National Assembly leadership. Further, all existing invitations and proposed programmes are to be immediately reviewed.

The legislative leadership described the boycott as a firm, measured response aimed at prioritising the welfare and dignity of Nigerians.

While the National Assembly values parliamentary diplomacy and inter-State cooperation, it maintained that these relationships must be anchored on mutual respect and a shared commitment to the rule of law.

Officials clarified that this decision is not an attempt to permanently dismantle Nigeria’s deep-rooted historical and diplomatic ties with South Africa. Instead, it serves as an “unambiguous expression of protest” against the unsafe environment confronting Nigerians in South Africa.

The House of Representatives and the Senate have urged the South African government to fulfil its fundamental international obligations.

They called on South Africa to halt existing violence and prevent future xenophobic outbreaks against African nationals, conduct thorough investigations into all reported incidents of targeted violence, and arrest and prosecute suspects to the full extent of the law to restore confidence and goodwill between the two economic powerhouses.

The House of Representatives reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring developments closely. While Nigeria remains open to constructive diplomatic dialogue, the leadership maintained that the protection of Nigerian lives and legitimate enterprises abroad remains non-negotiable.

The suspension will be subject to review only when circumstances on the ground demonstrate a verifiable improvement in safety, it said.