Nigeria’s National Assembly has suspended South Africa visits over reported xenophobic attacks. The decision covers lawmakers, committees and staff and takes effect immediately, following renewed concerns over Nigerians’ safety.
ABUJA, NIGERIA — The National Assembly has suspended all official South Africa visits and ordered a boycott of South African-hosted legislative activities following continuing reports of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in the country. The decision was announced on Friday, September 11, 2026, in a statement signed by Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana.
According to the statement, the decision followed consultations between the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The lawmakers said they were particularly concerned by reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties during recurring attacks in South Africa.
Data reviewed by Newstridez shows that the resolution goes beyond a temporary restriction on lawmakers travelling to South Africa. It covers National Assembly committees, officials and staff and also stops participation in conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings, legislative exchanges and other programmes organised or hosted by South African legislative authorities, including physical and virtual engagements.
The National Assembly also directed the Clerk to communicate the decision to senators, members of the House of Representatives, committees, departments, directorates, officials and staff for strict compliance. The suspension will remain in force until further notice, giving the measure a wider institutional effect than an individual travel advisory.
The lawmakers said the decision followed repeated reports of violence, intimidation, destruction of property and other forms of hostility against Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa. They also pointed to previous appeals by the Nigerian government and other stakeholders for South African authorities to strengthen protection for foreign nationals and prosecute people responsible for attacks.
The latest parliamentary action comes as tensions over the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa continue to affect relations between the two countries. The Associated Press reported on Friday that Nigeria’s parliament suspended official visits indefinitely after anti-migrant violence targeting Africans, including Nigerians, intensified in South Africa.
The situation has also carried serious consequences for Nigerian families and businesses operating in South Africa. According to the National Assembly, some Nigerians have lost lives, suffered injuries or abandoned homes and businesses because of recurring violence. The lawmakers said South African authorities must take concrete steps to protect Nigerians and other African nationals within the country.
The parliamentary resolution does not amount to a suspension of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa. The National Assembly specifically stressed that its action does not seek to undermine the longstanding historical, diplomatic and people-to-people relationship between both countries. Instead, it described the measure as a strong expression of concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa.
The decision is particularly significant because South Africa hosts a large Nigerian community involved in business, professional services, education, religion and other areas. Any sustained deterioration in relations between both countries could affect not only government-to-government engagements but also the wider Nigerian community and businesses with links to both countries.
The National Assembly called on the South African government to act urgently to prevent further xenophobic attacks. It urged authorities to investigate reported incidents, arrest suspected perpetrators and prosecute anyone found responsible under South African law. The lawmakers also called for stronger protection for Nigerians and other African nationals living in the country.
The lawmakers further urged the leadership of the 36 State Houses of Assembly to take note of the decision and consider adopting similar measures. That request could widen the political response within Nigeria if state legislatures choose to restrict their own official engagements with South African institutions.
The move follows a wider pattern of concern over violence against foreign nationals in South Africa. The Associated Press reported that at least 98 Nigerians have lost their lives in similar incidents since 2022, while violent protests in 2026 have led to deaths, injuries and displacement among migrants.
For Nigerians in South Africa, the parliamentary action sends a clear political message that the safety of citizens abroad remains a major concern for Nigeria’s federal lawmakers. It also increases pressure on South African authorities to show that reported attacks will receive serious police attention and that perpetrators will face prosecution.
The National Assembly said it would continue to monitor developments concerning the safety and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa. The suspension of South Africa visits will remain in place until further notice, while the lawmakers said the position could be reviewed as circumstances change.
The immediate next step will depend on how South African authorities respond to Nigeria’s concerns and whether reports of attacks against Nigerians decline. For now, the National Assembly has chosen a direct political response, suspending its official engagements with South African legislative institutions while maintaining that the broader Nigeria-South Africa relationship remains important.
