Nigeria’s National Assembly has announced the suspension of all official visits to South Africa following renewed concerns over attacks and intimidation allegedly targeting Nigerians and other African nationals living in the country.
The decision was communicated on Friday in a statement issued by the spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi.
According to the statement, the leadership of the National Assembly, headed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, has directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to inform lawmakers, committees, departments and other officials of the new position.
Under the directive, Nigerian lawmakers and officials are to suspend official trips to South Africa and stay away from legislative programmes, meetings and other engagements organised or hosted by South African authorities until further notice.
The development comes amid growing concern over reports of xenophobic violence in South Africa, with Nigerians reportedly among those affected.
The National Assembly said it was particularly disturbed by reports that Nigerians had been killed or injured, while some others had allegedly been forced to leave their businesses, homes and investments because of violence and intimidation.
The lawmakers also expressed concern that the reported incidents have continued despite previous appeals by the Nigerian government and other stakeholders for South African authorities to strengthen the protection of Nigerians and other foreign nationals.
The National Assembly said perpetrators of xenophobic attacks should be brought to justice and that stronger measures were needed to protect foreign nationals living and doing business in South Africa.
The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, confirmed that the decision followed consultations between the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The suspension is expected to remain in force until the National Assembly determines that adequate steps have been taken to address the concerns surrounding the safety and treatment of Nigerians in South Africa.
