NASS Boycotts South Africa Over Xenophobia

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The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and announced a boycott of all legislative activities hosted by the country in response to ongoing xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals.

The decision was finalized following high-level consultations between the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives, according to an official statement issued on Friday by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana.

Parliamentary leaders expressed grave concern over recurring reports of violent hostiles, property destruction, and intimidation targeting foreign nationals residing in South Africa. The leadership highlighted reports confirming that Nigerian citizens have suffered fatalities, severe injuries, displacement, and the widespread destruction of their businesses and investments.

The statement emphasized that despite repeated diplomatic interventions and formal appeals from the Nigerian government urging South African authorities to secure foreign nationals and prosecute offenders, reports of targeted violence have continued unabated.

By halting official visits and boycotting legislative engagements, the National Assembly aims to send a strong diplomatic message regarding the safety and fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens abroad. Parliamentary leaders reiterated that diplomatic and inter-parliamentary cooperation must remain contingent on the effective protection of Nigerian lives and assets.