…Says 98 Nigerians killed in hate-related attacks since 2022
Zainab Abioye
The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers, committees and legislative officials to boycott activities hosted or organised by the South African authorities until further notice.
The decision followed growing concerns over recurring xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, including reports of deaths, injuries, displacement and destruction of businesses and property.
The resolution was contained in a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, on Friday.
The legislative leadership said it was “gravely concerned” about the continued attacks and the alleged failure to adequately protect Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in the country.
The development comes amid renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa.
In July, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, said official records showed that 98 Nigerians had been killed in mob and hate-related attacks in South Africa since 2022.
The National Assembly said the reported attacks had reached a point where stronger institutional action was necessary.
“The Leadership is particularly concerned by reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties as a result of recurring violent attacks,” Ogunlana said.
He added that following consultations between the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the National Assembly resolved to suspend all official engagements with South Africa.
“In view of these developments and following consultations between the Leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives, 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 statement said.
The boycott covers official trips involving the National Assembly, its committees, individual lawmakers, officials and staff.
It also extends to virtual legislative engagements organised or hosted by South African authorities.
Ogunlana said the resolution would be communicated to senators, members of the House of Representatives, committees, departments, directorates and other personnel for compliance.
The National Assembly, however, stressed that the decision was not intended to sever or undermine Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with South Africa.
According to the Clerk, the suspension was a demonstration of Nigeria’s concern over the safety and dignity of its citizens rather than an attempt to damage diplomatic relations.
Ogunlana said the action was not intended to undermine the “longstanding historical, diplomatic and people-to-people relations” between both countries.
“Rather, it is a strong expression of concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa,” he said.
The federal lawmakers consequently called on the South African government to take urgent measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals from further attacks.
They also demanded thorough investigations into reported incidents, the arrest of suspects and prosecution of those found culpable.
The National Assembly said the suspension and boycott would remain in force indefinitely, subject to review by its leadership depending on developments.
“The suspension and boycott shall remain in force until further notice, subject to review by the Leadership of the National Assembly as circumstances warrant,” Ogunlana added.
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