Nigeria has taken a tougher stance against South Africa over continued reports of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals. The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and ordered lawmakers and parliamentary officials to stay away from South African-hosted legislative activities until further notice.
Highlights
- Nigeria has suspended official parliamentary visits to South Africa.
- The boycott covers both physical and virtual legislative engagements.
- The move follows reports of Nigerians being killed, injured and displaced.
- Nigeria has previously evacuated citizens from South Africa amid security concerns.
- President Bola Tinubu has also pushed for the issue to be addressed at the African Union.
Main Story
National Assembly Halts South Africa Engagements
Authorities have suspended all official visits to South Africa due to ongoing concerns over attacks against citizens and other African nationals.
This action is crucial for the protection of Nigerians and highlights the ongoing struggle faced by Nigeria in addressing xenophobia.
The directive, announced on Friday, September 11, 2026, followed consultations between the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives.
It affects lawmakers, parliamentary committees, National Assembly officials and staff. The suspension will remain in place until the leadership decides otherwise.
The boycott goes beyond physical travel. Nigerian officials have also been directed to stay away from virtual conferences, seminars, workshops, meetings, parliamentary exchanges and other legislative activities organised or supported by South African institutions.
Any Nigerian delegation or official seeking to participate in such an engagement will need specific approval from the National Assembly leadership.
Concerns Over Attacks on Nigerians
The decision comes amid reports of Nigerians losing their lives, suffering injuries and being forced to leave homes, businesses and other investments in South Africa.
Nigeria has repeatedly called on South African authorities to do more to protect foreign nationals and bring those accused of attacks to justice.
The Nigerian government has also previously organised evacuations for citizens caught up in security concerns. By July, authorities said 1,490 Nigerians had been brought home through several flights coordinated with officials from both countries.
Two Nigerian deaths reported in June further intensified concerns.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Emeka Charles Iroegbu was allegedly killed by Tshwane Metro Police officers in Pretoria on June 28. On the same day, Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, was reportedly killed outside his business in Witbank.
The ministry called for investigations into the deaths and prosecution of anyone found responsible.
Nigeria emphasizes the need for stronger measures to ensure the safety of its citizens in South Africa.
Parliament Had Already Started Investigations
The National Assembly’s latest move builds on action already taken by the House of Representatives.
In July, lawmakers began examining reports of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians, including deaths, damage to property and businesses that victims were allegedly forced to abandon.
The latest directive therefore represents a shift from investigating and condemning the incidents to directly limiting parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.
Nigeria Takes the Issue to the African Union
The disagreement has also moved beyond bilateral relations.
President Bola Tinubu has raised concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa at the African Union, arguing that the issue requires a broader continental response.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing Tinubu at an AU meeting in Luanda, Angola, said Nigeria wanted the matter considered at the AU Assembly scheduled for January 2027.
Nigeria has maintained that it remains open to dialogue with South Africa but will not accept the mistreatment of its citizens.
Diplomatic Relations Not Being Cut
Despite the increasingly firm response, Nigeria has made it clear that the parliamentary boycott should not be interpreted as a decision to sever diplomatic relations with South Africa.
The National Assembly said the measure does not erase the long-standing relationship between the two countries or the links between their people.
The ongoing situation underscores the importance of international support for Nigeria as it navigates this crisis.
Instead, lawmakers described the action as a response to concerns surrounding the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and working in South Africa.
The Assembly has also encouraged State Houses of Assembly across Nigeria to take note of the decision and consider whether similar measures are necessary.
What Nigeria Wants From South Africa
Nigeria is calling on South African authorities to take stronger action to protect Nigerians and other African nationals living in the country.
It wants reported attacks investigated, suspects arrested and those found guilty prosecuted.
For now, the parliamentary boycott remains open-ended. Its future will depend on developments surrounding the safety of Nigerians in South Africa and the response from South African authorities.
As African nations continue to navigate migration, trade and cross-border relations, the treatment of foreign nationals remains a test of how far continental solidarity can go beyond diplomatic statements.
Nigeria’s concerns are rooted in the need for a safe environment for all Nigerians residing in South Africa.
