ABUJA, Nigeria- Nigeria’s parliament has suspended all official visits to South Africa and ordered lawmakers to boycott legislative activities hosted by South African institutions over recurring attacks on Nigerians and other African migrants.
The directive, announced on Friday, bars members, committees, officials and staff of Nigeria’s National Assembly from travelling to South Africa on official parliamentary business until further notice.
It also prohibits their participation in meetings, conferences and other legislative engagements organised or hosted by South African institutions.
The suspension does not apply to visits or meetings involving other branches of the Nigerian government.
National Assembly Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana said parliament was concerned by reports of Nigerians being killed, injured and displaced during attacks targeting foreigners.
He said some victims had also been forced to abandon businesses, investments, homes and other property.
“This decision is a strong expression of concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa,” House of Representatives spokesperson Akin Rotimi said.
Nigerian officials have reported that 98 Nigerians have died in mob attacks and other hate-related incidents in South Africa since 2022.
Nigeria’s acting high commissioner in Pretoria said 1,695 Nigerians had been voluntarily evacuated from South Africa in 2026 amid growing anti-migrant tensions.
The latest wave of demonstrations began earlier in the year, with protesters demanding stricter immigration controls and the removal of undocumented migrants.
Some protesters have blamed foreign nationals for crime, unemployment and pressure on public services. Migrant-rights organisations say African foreigners are being unfairly blamed for South Africa’s economic and social problems.
In June, two Nigerians were killed in separate incidents, with one allegedly involving police officers and the other unidentified attackers.
Nigeria has repeatedly urged South African authorities to protect its citizens and ensure those responsible for violence face legal action.
The issue has strained relations between two of Africa’s largest economies despite continued diplomatic engagement.
South African International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola led a delegation to Abuja in July for talks with Nigerian officials intended to ease tensions.
Lamola said during the visit that South Africa condemned xenophobia, racism and discrimination in all their forms.
The Nigerian foreign ministry and South African government had not immediately responded publicly to the latest parliamentary directive.
The boycott represents one of Nigeria’s strongest institutional responses to the attacks and will remain in place until the National Assembly issues further instructions.
