Nigeria’s parliament has suspended official visits to South Africa indefinitely following renewed anti-migrant violence targeting Nigerians and other African nationals.
The National Assembly also ordered lawmakers to boycott legislative activities hosted or organised by South African authorities. The measure will remain in place until further notice.
However, the decision does not cover government-to-government visits. Instead, it specifically affects parliamentary travel and legislative engagements involving South African institutions.
Nigerians Face Growing Safety Concerns
The Nigerian parliament said it was deeply concerned about reports of Nigerians being killed, injured and displaced.
Some Nigerians have also reportedly abandoned businesses, homes, investments and other properties because of recurring attacks.
Kamoru Ogunlana, the clerk to Nigeria’s National Assembly, said the decision reflects serious concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and doing business in South Africa.
Nigeria has repeatedly urged South African authorities to take stronger action against those responsible for xenophobic attacks. However, reports of violence have continued.
Two Nigerians Killed in June
Tensions intensified in June when two Nigerians died during anti-migrant violence in South Africa.
According to Nigerian officials, one victim was allegedly killed by police officers, while unidentified attackers reportedly killed the other. The deaths came shortly before an unofficial deadline issued by protesters demanding that foreigners leave the country.
Nigeria has also reported a wider pattern of violence against its citizens.
Officials said at least 98 Nigerians have died in mob attacks, hate-related violence and extrajudicial killings in South Africa since 2022.
Nigeria and South Africa Hold Diplomatic Talks
The latest parliamentary action follows diplomatic efforts between Nigeria and South Africa.
South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola visited Abuja in July. He met Nigerian officials to discuss recurring attacks against Nigerians and other African migrants.
During those talks, South Africa reiterated its opposition to xenophobia. However, Nigeria continues to press for stronger protection for its citizens.
In addition, Nigeria has evacuated citizens from South Africa amid the latest tensions. Reuters reported that 1,695 Nigerians were voluntarily evacuated during 2026 because of xenophobia-related concerns.
Anti-Migrant Protests Fuel Tensions
South Africa has attracted migrants from across Africa for decades because of its stronger economy and wider employment opportunities.
However, foreigners have also faced periodic xenophobic attacks.
Protesters often blame migrants for unemployment, crime and pressure on public services. Those claims have contributed to repeated anti-immigrant campaigns and violent confrontations.
The latest unrest has again placed relations between Nigeria and South Africa under pressure.
Thousands of Migrants Leave South Africa
The impact of the violence extends beyond Nigeria.
South African government figures indicate that nearly 90,000 people have either left voluntarily or faced deportation since the latest migration tensions began.
However, figures from migrants’ home governments put the number much higher, at roughly 178,000.
The difference between the figures highlights the scale of the migration crisis and the difficulty of tracking people leaving the country through different channels.
Nigeria Parliament Sends Strong Warning
The decision by the Nigeria parliament represents a significant diplomatic signal.
By suspending parliamentary visits and legislative engagements, lawmakers are putting greater pressure on South Africa to address attacks against foreign nationals.
At the same time, the measure does not mean Nigeria has ended its broader relationship with South Africa.
Instead, Nigerian lawmakers want South African authorities to protect Nigerians and other African migrants while investigating attacks and holding perpetrators accountable.
Nigeria Parliament South Africa Relations Remain Under Pressure
Nigeria and South Africa remain two of Africa’s largest economies and most influential countries.
Therefore, continued tensions between them could affect diplomatic and economic relations.
For now, Nigeria’s parliament has made its position clear. It wants stronger action to protect Nigerians in South Africa before parliamentary engagements resume.
The suspension will remain in effect until further notice, while Nigerian officials continue to monitor the safety of their citizens.
