The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and ordered lawmakers and officials to boycott legislative activities hosted or organised by the country until further notice.
The decision followed growing concerns over reports of xenophobic attacks, killings, injuries, intimidation, destruction of property and displacement of Nigerians and other African nationals living and doing business in South Africa.
The resolution was contained in a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, on Friday.
According to the statement, the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives expressed “grave concern” over the recurring attacks and the alleged failure of South African authorities to adequately protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals.
The National Assembly noted that Nigerians had reportedly been killed, injured and forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties as a result of the attacks.
It said the decision was taken after consultations between the leadership of both chambers of the National Assembly.
The suspension covers official visits to South Africa by the National Assembly, its committees, lawmakers, officials and staff.
It also extends to conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings, legislative exchanges and other activities organised or hosted by South African legislative authorities.
The boycott further applies to physical participation in South African-hosted legislative programmes as well as participation through virtual or online platforms.
“The Leadership has accordingly directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to issue the necessary communication to all Distinguished Senators, Honourable Members of the House of Representatives, Committees, departments, directorates, officials and staff to ensure strict compliance with the resolution,” the statement said.
The lawmakers, however, stressed that the decision was not intended to undermine Nigeria’s longstanding diplomatic and people-to-people relations with South Africa.
Rather, they said it was aimed at expressing concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in the country.
The National Assembly called on the South African government to take urgent measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals within its territory and prevent further xenophobic attacks.
It also urged the authorities to thoroughly investigate reported incidents, arrest suspected perpetrators and prosecute those found culpable.
The leadership further urged State Houses of Assembly to take note of the decision and consider adopting similar measures.
The National Assembly said it would continue to monitor developments concerning the safety and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa.
The suspension and boycott will remain in force until further notice and may be reviewed by the National Assembly leadership as circumstances warrant.