The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and withdrawn from South African-hosted legislative activities over recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals.
The decision followed consultations between the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives, according to a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, on Friday.
The lawmakers expressed concern over reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced, and forced to abandon their homes, businesses, and investments in South Africa.
They said the suspension would cover official visits by lawmakers, committees, officials, and staff, as well as conferences, seminars, parliamentary meetings, and legislative exchanges hosted or organized by South African authorities. It also applies to virtual engagements.
The National Assembly called on the South African government to urgently protect Nigerians and other African nationals, investigate reported attacks, and prosecute those found responsible.
It stressed that the decision was not intended to undermine the longstanding diplomatic and people-to-people ties between Nigeria and South Africa but was aimed at expressing concern over the safety and welfare of Nigerians in the country.
The lawmakers also urged the 36 state Houses of Assembly to consider adopting similar measures.
The suspension will remain in force until further notice and may be reviewed as circumstances change.
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