…boycotts all engagements with South Africa, directs states to take action
By Sanni Abdullahi
Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigerian National Assembly has suspended all official visits to the Republic of South Africa and withdrawn from legislative activities hosted by South African institutions, citing persistent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals.
The decision, announced Friday, September 11, 2026, by the Office of the House Spokesman, was conveyed to lawmakers, committees, departments and staff by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, Esq., following consultations between the leadership of both chambers.
According to the statement signed by Akin Rotimi Jr., Spokesman of the House of Representatives, the suspension covers all forms of engagement and will remain in force “until further notice.”
“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 Clerk’s communication stated.
The directive was issued under the authority of the President of the Senate, H.E. Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON.
The National Assembly said the action followed “continuing reports of xenophobic attacks, violence, intimidation, destruction of property and other forms of hostility directed at Nigerians and other African nationals resident in the Republic of South Africa.”
The statement expressed “grave concern” over reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and “compelled to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties as a result of recurring violent attacks.”
Lawmakers noted with particular concern that the incidents have persisted despite repeated appeals by the Federal Government of Nigeria and other stakeholders to South African authorities to take decisive steps to protect foreign nationals and bring perpetrators to justice.
“As the institution constitutionally representing Nigerians, the National Assembly cannot ignore persistent attacks on citizens abroad. Reports of Nigerians killed, injured, displaced or forced to abandon businesses, investments, homes and property require a parliamentary response,” the statement said.
The directive outlines five specific measures for strict compliance:
a. All official visits to the Republic of South Africa by the National Assembly, its Committees, lawmakers, officials and staff are hereby suspended;
b. All participation in legislative activities, conferences, seminars, workshops, meetings, exchanges or other engagements organized, hosted, sponsored or co-sponsored by the Parliament of South Africa or other South African legislative authorities is hereby suspended;
c. The suspension applies to both physical and virtual or online engagements, including invitations to participate in meetings, programmes and parliamentary exchanges hosted from South African legislative institutions;
d. No official delegation, Committee, lawmaker, official or staff member shall undertake or participate in any such engagement during the period of suspension without the prior express approval of the Leadership of the National Assembly; and
e. All existing arrangements, invitations or proposed programmes involving official visits or legislative engagements in South Africa shall be reviewed in line with the directive.
The Assembly said the measure is a “firm, measured response to threats to Nigerians’ safety, dignity and welfare.” It added that while parliamentary diplomacy remains important, it “must rest on mutual respect and a shared commitment to protecting life, property and lawful enterprise.”
The National Assembly urged the Government of South Africa to take “urgent and concrete measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals, prevent further xenophobic attacks, thoroughly investigate reported incidents, arrest suspected perpetrators and ensure that those found culpable are prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
“Protecting law-abiding foreign nationals and prosecuting those responsible for criminal attacks are fundamental obligations under the rule of law and essential to sustaining confidence and goodwill between both countries and their peoples,” the statement added.
The Assembly also acknowledged the interventions of the Federal Government, including efforts to assist affected Nigerians and facilitate evacuation, saying such actions “underscore the seriousness of the situation and the responsibility of institutions of the Nigerian state to safeguard the lives, dignity and legitimate interests of Nigerian citizens.”
In addition, the House of Representatives said it is urging the Leadership of State Houses of Assembly across the Federation to “take note of this decision and consider similar action.”
The National Assembly was careful to stress that the boycott does not signal a breakdown in bilateral relations.
“Consistent with the Clerk’s communication, this decision does not undermine Nigeria’s longstanding historical, diplomatic and people-to-people relations with 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,’” Rotimi said.
“Nigeria values its longstanding relationship with South Africa and remains committed to constructive diplomatic and parliamentary engagement. However, the safety, dignity, welfare and legitimate interests of Nigerian citizens must be respected and protected,” he added.
The House reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad and said it “will continue to monitor developments concerning their safety and welfare in South Africa.”
As conveyed by the Clerk, the suspension and boycott “shall remain in force until further notice, subject to review by the Leadership of the National Assembly as circumstances warrant.”
