Nigeria’s National Assembly has suspended all legislative engagements with South Africa following renewed reports of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians living in the country.
The decision affects official parliamentary engagements, including legislative visits and other forms of interaction between Nigeria’s National Assembly and the South African Parliament.
The development follows growing concerns over the safety and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa, amid reports of attacks, harassment and intimidation involving foreign nationals.
The National Assembly had previously raised concerns over the recurring attacks and called for stronger measures to protect Nigerians living and doing business in South Africa.
Lawmakers have maintained that the protection of Nigerian citizens abroad should remain a priority and that repeated incidents of xenophobic violence cannot be ignored.
The latest suspension marks a diplomatic and legislative response from Nigeria’s parliament as pressure mounts over the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa.
The two countries have historically maintained strong economic and diplomatic ties, with significant business and people-to-people links. However, xenophobic attacks have periodically strained relations between both countries, particularly when Nigerian-owned businesses and other foreign nationals become targets.
The National Assembly’s decision is expected to place additional pressure on South African authorities to address concerns surrounding the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in the country.
It remains unclear how long the suspension will last or what specific conditions would lead to the restoration of legislative engagements between the two parliaments.
The development comes as Nigerian authorities continue to monitor the situation and seek assurances over the safety of Nigerians residing in South Africa.
