Xenophobia: National Assembly Suspends Visits to South Africa

Nigeria’s National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and ordered lawmakers and officials to boycott South African-hosted legislative activities until further notice.

The decision follows reports of continuing xenophobic attacks, violence, intimidation and destruction of property targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa. The move was confirmed in a statement issued by the Office of the House Spokesman on Friday, September 11, 2026, and reported by the Associated Press.

The directive followed consultations between the Senate and House of Representatives leadership led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.

The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, said the lawmakers were concerned by reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon their businesses, homes and properties.

According to the Clerk, “the National Assembly has resolved to suspend all official visits to the Republic of South Africa and to boycott South African-hosted or South African-organised legislative activities and engagements until further notice.”

The suspension covers official visits, conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings, legislative exchanges and other engagements organised or hosted by South African legislative authorities.

It also applies to virtual and online engagements, while existing invitations and planned programmes involving South African legislative institutions will be reviewed.

The National Assembly said the decision does not undermine Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with South Africa but is “a strong expression of concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa.”

It urged the South African Government to protect Nigerians and other African nationals, investigate reported attacks, arrest suspected perpetrators and prosecute those found culpable.

The National Assembly also urged State Houses of Assembly across the country to consider similar action.

The suspension will remain in force until further notice, subject to review by the leadership of the National Assembly.