By Fatima Saka
The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and ordered a boycott of South African-hosted legislative activities over continuing reports of xenophobic attacks, violence and intimidation against Nigerians and other African nationals.
The decision followed growing concerns over reports of Nigerians being killed, injured and displaced, with some forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties amid recurring violent attacks in South Africa.
In a statement signed by Kamoru Ogunlana, Clerk to the National Assembly, the leadership said the resolution was reached after consultations between the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives, stressing that the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa remained a major concern.
The suspension covers official visits to South Africa by the National Assembly, its committees, lawmakers, officials and staff. It also extends to conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings, legislative exchanges and other activities organised or hosted by South African legislative authorities.
The boycott further applies to physical participation in South African-hosted legislative programmes as well as participation through virtual or online platforms.
The leadership directed the Clerk to communicate the decision to all senators, members of the House of Representatives, committees, departments, directorates, officials and staff for strict compliance.
The National Assembly said the decision was not intended to undermine the longstanding historical, diplomatic and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and South Africa, but was instead a strong expression of concern over the treatment and safety of Nigerians residing and conducting legitimate businesses in the country.
It called on the South African Government to take urgent and concrete measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals within its territory, prevent further xenophobic attacks, thoroughly investigate reported incidents, arrest suspected perpetrators and prosecute those found culpable.
The lawmakers also urged the leadership of State Houses of Assembly to take note of the decision and consider adopting similar measures.
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The National Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens abroad, saying it would continue to monitor developments concerning the safety and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa.
The suspension and boycott will remain in force until further notice, subject to review by the National Assembly leadership as circumstances warrant.
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