Nigeria’s National Assembly has suspended all official legislative visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers to boycott legislative activities hosted or organized by South Africa, following renewed xenophobic attacks and growing threats against Nigerians and other African nationals in the country.
The decision was announced in a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, on Thursday, September 10, 2026, on behalf of the joint leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives.
According to the statement, the suspension covers “all official visits” to South Africa, while lawmakers are also required to boycott “South African-hosted or South African-organised legislative activities and engagements” until further notice.
The National Assembly said the decision was driven by its “grave concern for the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad.”
It urged the South African government to take immediate and concrete steps to protect Nigerians and other African nationals living in the country.
The lawmakers also demanded a thorough investigation into reported attacks, the arrest of suspected perpetrators and the prosecution of individuals found responsible for acts of violence.
The suspension and boycott will remain in effect until further notice, although the leadership of the National Assembly may review the decision depending on developments.
The latest move comes amid renewed anti-immigrant protests in South Africa, with some protesters demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country. Nigerians have reportedly been among those affected by the unrest, with incidents involving attacks, intimidation, property losses and concerns over residency status.
The Nigerian government has so far repatriated about 1,490 citizens amid the crisis as authorities continue efforts to safeguard Nigerians caught up in the unrest.
Xenophobic violence has repeatedly affected Nigerians in South Africa, with major outbreaks reported in 2008, 2015 and 2019. Nigerian-owned businesses have been targeted during previous attacks, while several Nigerians have reportedly been killed or injured.
Nigerian officials have said that at least 98 Nigerians have been killed in xenophobic attacks since 2022, underscoring the longstanding security concerns surrounding Nigerians living and doing business in South Africa.
The Federal Government has condemned the latest attacks, begun the evacuation of vulnerable Nigerians and summoned South African officials for discussions over the safety of Nigerian citizens.
During bilateral talks in Abuja in July, Nigerian authorities demanded stronger protection for Nigerians in South Africa. South African officials pledged to prosecute perpetrators while maintaining that the violence was not sponsored by the state.
The issue has also generated strong reactions within Nigeria’s two legislative chambers.
The Senate condemned the renewed attacks and called for stronger measures to protect Nigerians, including written guarantees of their safety and justice for victims. The House of Representatives similarly demanded an investigation into the attacks and the losses suffered by Nigerians and their businesses.
The National Assembly’s latest decision represents one of Nigeria’s strongest legislative responses to the recurring xenophobic crisis and places additional diplomatic pressure on Pretoria to ensure the protection of Nigerian citizens.
