Emmanuel Obi
The National Assembly has suspended all official visits and legislative engagements with South African authorities following renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in the country.
The decision was contained in a statement signed on Friday, September 11, 2026, by Akin Rotimi Jr., Spokesman of the House of Representatives.
The directive followed consultations between the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives over reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and losing businesses, homes and other properties in xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Under the new directive, lawmakers, committees, officials and staff of the National Assembly are barred from official visits to South Africa until further notice.
They are also prohibited from participating in conferences, seminars, workshops, meetings, parliamentary exchanges and other legislative activities organised or hosted by South African authorities. The restriction applies to both physical and virtual engagements.
The National Assembly said any exception to the directive would require express approval from its leadership, while existing invitations, travel arrangements and proposed programmes involving South African legislative institutions would be reviewed.
It said the action followed repeated appeals by the Nigerian government and other stakeholders for South African authorities to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals and bring perpetrators of xenophobic violence to justice.
The lawmakers described the suspension as a firm but measured response to threats against the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa.
They, however, stressed that the decision should not be interpreted as a rejection of Nigeria’s longstanding diplomatic and people to people relations with South Africa.
The National Assembly called on the South African government to take immediate steps to protect Nigerians and other African nationals, investigate reported attacks, arrest suspects and prosecute those found responsible.
It also urged State Houses of Assembly across the country to take note of the directive and consider adopting similar measures.
The suspension will remain in force until further notice and may be reviewed by the leadership of the National Assembly depending on developments.
