By ABC News Nigeria
The National Assembly has suspended all official engagements with South Africa, directing lawmakers, committees and legislative officials to stay away from activities organised or hosted by the country until further notice.
The decision followed growing concerns over recurring xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa.
In a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the leadership of the legislature said it was deeply troubled by persistent reports of violence, attacks and destruction of property involving Nigerians and other Africans in the country.
Under the new directive, official visits to South Africa by the National Assembly, its committees, members, officials and staff have been suspended.
The restriction also extends to virtual meetings, conferences and other legislative engagements hosted or organised by South African authorities or institutions.
The National Assembly said the measure was prompted by the need to register its strong concern over the continued mistreatment of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
The development comes amid renewed scrutiny of xenophobic violence in the country, with Nigerian authorities continuing to raise concerns over the safety and welfare of their citizens.
In July, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, disclosed that official records showed that at least 98 Nigerians had been killed in mob and hate-related attacks in South Africa since 2022.
The latest decision by the National Assembly signals a tougher institutional response to the attacks and puts Nigeria-South Africa parliamentary engagements on hold pending further developments.
The suspension will remain in force until further notice.
Source:@ZagazolaMakama
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