The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and announced a total boycott of South African-hosted legislative activities over recurring xenophobic attacks on Nigerians.
The decision was contained in a statement on Friday by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, Esq., following consultations between the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
According to the statement, the leadership expressed grave concern over continuing reports of xenophobic violence, intimidation and destruction of property targeted at Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
The leadership of National Assembly said it was particularly disturbed by reports that Nigerians were being killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon their businesses, investments and homes due to repeated violent attacks.
It noted that despite repeated appeals by the Federal Government and other stakeholders to South African authorities to protect foreign nationals and bring perpetrators to justice, the attacks have persisted.
It acknowledged efforts by the Federal Government to assist victims and evacuate stranded Nigerians from South Africa, but said stronger action from Pretoria is required.
Consequently, the National p resolved that the suspension covers all official trips by lawmakers, committees, officials and staff, as well as participation in conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings and legislative exchanges organised or hosted by South Africa, whether physical or virtual.
Ogunlana has been directed to communicate the resolution to all Senators, House Members, committees, departments and staff for strict compliance.
The leadership stressed that the move is not aimed at undermining Nigeria-South Africa historical and diplomatic relations, but a strong statement of concern for the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa.
It called on the South African Government to urgently protect Nigerians and other Africans, thoroughly investigate reported attacks, arrest suspects and prosecute offenders, while urging State Houses of Assembly to take note and consider similar action.