Nigeria parliament cancels official trips to South Africa over xenophobia attacks on citizens

Africa, Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria’s parliament has suspended official visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers to boycott legislative activities hosted by South African institutions, citing reports of attacks on Nigerians and other African migrants in the country.

The decision reflects growing concern over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa and renewed tensions between the two countries, which are among Africa’s largest economies.

Nigerian officials have repeatedly raised concerns over anti-immigrant violence in South Africa. The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs recently said 98 Nigerians had died in mob and hate-related incidents in the country since 2022.

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In addition, 1,695 Nigerians have voluntarily returned to the country this year amid tensions linked to xenophobia, according to Nigeria’s acting High Commissioner in Pretoria.

The parliamentary directive, announced by the House spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, bars lawmakers from official travel to South Africa and from participating in meetings hosted or organised by South African institutions until further notice.

However, the directive does not apply to visits and meetings involving government officials.

“This decision is a strong expression of concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa,” Rotimi said in a statement on Friday.

The decision comes amid longstanding concerns over attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, which have periodically strained relations between Abuja and Pretoria.

In July, South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola led a delegation to Abuja for discussions with Nigerian officials aimed at easing tensions over attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

Lamola said during the visit that the South African government condemned “all forms of xenophobia”.

Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry had not immediately responded to requests for comment on the parliamentary directive, while a spokesperson for the South African government also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.