ABUJA — The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and announced a boycott of legislative activities organised or hosted by South African authorities over recurring reports of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals.

The decision followed consultations between the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives, according to a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, on Friday.

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The National Assembly said it was deeply concerned by reports of killings, injuries, intimidation, displacement and destruction of property involving Nigerians and other African nationals living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa.

It said reports of Nigerians being killed, injured or forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties had heightened concerns over the safety and welfare of Nigerian citizens in the country.

The lawmakers noted that the decision came against the backdrop of repeated reports of xenophobic incidents despite previous appeals by the Nigerian government and other stakeholders for South African authorities to strengthen the protection of Nigerians and other foreign nationals and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

“In view of these developments and following consultations between the Leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the National Assembly has resolved to suspend all official visits to the Republic of South Africa and to boycott South African-hosted or South African-organised legislative activities and engagements until further notice,” Ogunlana said.

The suspension covers official visits by senators, members of the House of Representatives, National Assembly committees, officials and staff.

It also extends to conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings, legislative exchanges and other programmes organised or hosted by South African legislative authorities.

The boycott will apply to both physical and virtual participation in legislative activities hosted or organised by South African authorities.

Ogunlana was subsequently directed to communicate the resolution to senators, members of the House of Representatives, committees, departments, directorates, officials and staff for strict compliance.

The National Assembly stressed that the decision was not intended to undermine the longstanding historical, diplomatic and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and South Africa.

Rather, it described the measure as “a strong expression of concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa.”

The lawmakers called on the South African government to take urgent and concrete steps to protect Nigerians and other African nationals residing in the country and prevent further attacks.

They also demanded thorough investigations into reported incidents, the arrest of suspects and the prosecution of anyone found culpable under South African law.

The National Assembly further urged the leadership of the 36 State Houses of Assembly to take note of the decision and consider adopting similar measures in response to the reported attacks.

It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens abroad and said it would continue to monitor developments relating to the safety and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa.

However, the federal lawmakers indicated that the suspension could be reviewed depending on subsequent developments and the circumstances surrounding the safety and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa.