Nigeria’s parliament has halted official visits to South Africa and ordered lawmakers to boycott South‑African‑hosted legislative activities, citing attacks on Nigerians and other African migrants.
The move follows growing concern over the safety of Nigerian citizens abroad and reflects frustration over a problem that has periodically strained relations between the continent’s two largest economies.
Officials have highlighted persistent anti‑immigrant violence, with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs reporting that 98 Nigerians have died in mob and hate‑related incidents in South Africa since 2022.
This year, 1,695 Nigerians were voluntarily evacuated amid xenophobia‑related tensions, according to Nigeria’s acting high commissioner in Pretoria.
The directive, announced by a parliamentary spokesperson, bars legislators from official travel to South Africa and from participating in meetings hosted or organised by South African institutions until further notice. It does not apply to governmental visits and meetings.
"This decision is a strong expression of concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa," House spokesperson Akin Rotimi said in a statement on Friday.
The foreign ministry has not yet responded to requests for comment, and a South African government spokesperson has also declined to comment.
South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola led a delegation to Abuja in July for talks with Nigerian officials aimed at easing tensions over attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals. Lamola said the government condemned "all forms of xenophobia".
Lawmakers will now await further instructions on the status of future engagements with South African institutions.
