National Assembly halts legislative ties with South Africa over attacks on Nigerians
The National Assembly has suspended all official legislative engagements with South Africa following renewed reports of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in the country.
The decision was announced on Friday, September 11, 2026, after consultations between the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The suspension followed reports alleging that Nigerians had been killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon their homes, businesses and investments in South Africa.
In a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the Federal Legislature said it was deeply concerned about the recurrence of xenophobic attacks and what it described as the continued failure of South African authorities to effectively stop the violence despite repeated diplomatic interventions.
The suspension covers official visits to South Africa by the National Assembly, its committees, lawmakers, officials and staff.
It also extends to conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings, legislative exchange programmes and other engagements organised or hosted by South African legislative authorities.
According to the statement, the suspension applies to both physical and virtual participation in such activities and will remain in force until further notice.
The National Assembly said the decision would be subject to review by its leadership depending on developments and prevailing circumstances.
The Clerk was directed to communicate the decision to senators, members of the House of Representatives, committees, departments, directorates, officials and staff to ensure strict compliance.
The lawmakers said the decision followed persistent reports of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa.
They noted that previous appeals by the Nigerian Government and other stakeholders for the protection of foreign nationals had failed to prevent further incidents.
The National Assembly said the suspension was intended to register its concern over the safety of Nigerians and other African nationals while urging appropriate authorities to address the recurring violence.
