Nigeria has drain the line.
Fed up with repeated xenophobic attacks on its citizens, the leadership of the Nigeria National Assembly has suspended all parliamentary relations with South Africa “till further notice” — a move described as a strong warning to Pretoria to act now.
Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamaldeen Ogunlana, announced the decision in Abuja, saying Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Abbas Tajudeen had ordered an immediate boycott.
“Protect Nigerians Or We Walk”
The NASS said the suspension was not about breaking diplomatic ties, but about protecting lives and dignity.
“The Leadership is particularly concerned by reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties,” Ogunlana’s statement read.
It slammed South Africa for failing to act despite “repeated appeals by the Federal Government of Nigeria” to stop the violence and prosecute attackers.
NASS is now demanding urgent action: protection for Nigerians, thorough investigations, arrests, and prosecution of perpetrators.
The boycott is sweeping. It covers official visits, committee trips, conferences, seminars, workshops, and even virtual engagements hosted or organized by South African legislative authorities.
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Ogunlana has been directed to notify all senators, reps, committees and staff to ensure “strict compliance.”
States Urged To Follow, Monitoring Continues
The National Assembly also called on State Houses of Assembly to consider similar actions.
While stressing that Nigeria values its “longstanding historical, diplomatic and people-to-people relations” with South Africa, lawmakers said the safety of Nigerians abroad comes first.
“The Leadership reaffirms the commitment of the National Assembly to the protection of Nigerian citizens abroad and will continue to monitor developments,” the statement said.
It noted government efforts already underway to assist victims and evacuate affected Nigerians.
Sanctions Will Stay Until South Africa Acts
The suspension, NASS warned, will remain in force indefinitely.
“The suspension and boycott shall remain in force until further notice, subject to review by the Leadership of the National Assembly as circumstances warrant.”
The message to South Africa is blunt: end the attacks, or lose legislative access to Africa’s largest democracy.
