Nigeria Lawmakers Suspend South Africa Visits Over Safety Concerns For Citizens

Nigeria’s National Assembly has suspended official visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers to boycott legislative activities hosted or organised by South African institutions until further notice.

The decision follows concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa amid recurring reports of xenophobic attacks.

According to the National Assembly, the move is intended to draw attention to the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in the country.

However, the directive does not affect government-to-government visits and meetings.

Nigeria has repeatedly raised concerns over attacks on its citizens in South Africa. The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs previously said 98 Nigerians had died in mob and hate-related incidents in the country since 2022.

The acting Nigerian High Commissioner in Pretoria also said 1,695 Nigerians had voluntarily returned home this year amid xenophobia-related tensions.

The latest development comes after South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola led a delegation to Abuja in July for talks with Nigerian officials over attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals.

Lamola had said the South African government condemned all forms of xenophobia.

The parliamentary boycott will remain in effect until further notice.