Nigeria’s National Assembly has ordered lawmakers and its officials to stop participating in parliamentary engagements with South African authorities, escalating its response to reported xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in the country.
The directive includes a suspension of official trips to South Africa as well as a boycott of conferences, seminars, workshops, meetings and parliamentary exchanges organised or hosted by South African legislative authorities.
The measure was announced on Friday in a statement by the spokesman for the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, following consultations between the leadership of both chambers of the National Assembly.
It covers senators, members of the House of Representatives, committees, departments, directorates and other officials and staff of the legislature.
The National Assembly said the action was prompted by reports of continued violence, intimidation and destruction of property involving Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa.
It said it was particularly troubled by reports that Nigerians had been killed or injured, while others were allegedly displaced or forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other property.
The lawmakers noted that the incidents had persisted despite appeals by the Federal Government and other stakeholders to the South African authorities to strengthen protection for Nigerians and other foreign nationals and bring those responsible for xenophobic violence to justice.
The directive also extends to virtual engagements, meaning National Assembly officials and lawmakers are barred from participating in online meetings, programmes and parliamentary exchanges hosted by South African legislative institutions during the period of the suspension.
However, the leadership retained the power to grant exceptions, with any participation in affected engagements requiring its prior express approval.
The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, has been directed to ensure that the directive is communicated across the legislature and that existing invitations and proposed programmes involving South Africa are reviewed.
The National Assembly had earlier in the year condemned renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa and supported diplomatic efforts to address the situation.
It stressed that the latest decision should not be interpreted as a rejection of Nigeria’s broader diplomatic and people-to-people ties with South Africa.
The lawmakers said parliamentary diplomacy remained important but could only thrive where both countries respected one another and protected the lives, property and legitimate businesses of their citizens.
“While parliamentary diplomacy and inter-legislative cooperation remain important, they must rest on mutual respect and a shared commitment to protecting life, property and lawful enterprise,” the statement said.
The suspension will remain in place until further notice, with the leadership of the National Assembly expected to review the measure in response to developments concerning the safety and treatment of Nigerians in South Africa.
