RismadarVoice Reporters
September 11, 2026
Nigeria’s National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers and officials to boycott legislative engagements hosted or organised by South African authorities until further notice.
The decision was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the House of Representatives spokesperson, Akin Rotimi.
The directive covers senators, members of the House of Representatives, committees, departments and staff of the National Assembly.
It followed concerns over reports of continued xenophobic attacks, violence and intimidation against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
The National Assembly said it was particularly concerned by reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and losing businesses, homes and other properties.
Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, said the decision followed consultations between the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives.
The suspension also applies to conferences, seminars, workshops, meetings, parliamentary exchanges and other legislative activities organised, hosted, sponsored or co-sponsored by South African legislative authorities.
According to the directive, the boycott covers both physical and virtual engagements.
No lawmaker, committee, delegation, official or staff member may participate in such activities during the suspension without prior approval from the leadership of the National Assembly.
The legislature said existing invitations and arrangements involving official visits or parliamentary engagements in South Africa would be reviewed.
It recalled that the National Assembly had earlier condemned renewed xenophobic attacks in the country and supported diplomatic efforts to address violence against Nigerians.
However, it stressed that the suspension should not be interpreted as a rejection of Nigeria’s longstanding diplomatic and people-to-people ties with South Africa.
The National Assembly said parliamentary cooperation remained important but must be based on mutual respect and the protection of lives, property and legitimate businesses.
The suspension will remain in force until further notice and may be reviewed depending on developments.
