Nigeria’s parliament has suspended official visits by lawmakers to South Africa and ordered legislators to boycott South African hosted parliamentary activities, citing concerns over attacks on Nigerians and other African migrants.
The directive prevents lawmakers from travelling to South Africa for official engagements or participating in meetings organised by South African institutions until further notice. It does not affect government level visits.
House spokesperson Akin Rotimi said the decision reflects concerns about the safety and welfare of Nigerians living and doing business in South Africa.
Nigeria says 98 of its citizens have died in mob and hate related incidents in South Africa since 2022. About 1,695 Nigerians have also voluntarily returned to Nigeria this year amid renewed xenophobic tensions.
The move adds to tensions between the two countries, which have previously faced diplomatic strains over attacks on Nigerian and other African migrants.
South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola visited Abuja in July for talks aimed at easing tensions and said his government condemned all forms of xenophobia.
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