Nigeria has taken a tougher diplomatic stance toward South Africa following renewed reports of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals. The National Assembly has suspended official legislative trips to South Africa, signaling growing concern over the safety of Nigerian citizens living in the country.

The directive, issued by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, on behalf of both chambers of the Nigerian National Assembly extends beyond travel. Nigerian lawmakers have also been instructed not to attend programmes, meetings or other activities organized by South African institutions. The suspension will remain in place until the leadership of the legislature decides otherwise.

The decision comes against the backdrop of renewed anti-foreigner protests in parts of South Africa. Demonstrators have called for migrants to leave the country, raising fresh fears among Nigerian communities. Nigerian authorities say about 98 Nigerians have died in xenophobia-related incidents since 2022.

The situation has also triggered an increase in voluntary departures. Almost 1,700 Nigerians have reportedly left South Africa this year as concerns over their security have grown. Of that number, the Nigerian government says about 1,490 have already been repatriated.

For Nigeria’s lawmakers, the boycott is being presented as a protective and diplomatic response rather than simply a restriction on travel. The National Assembly has urged South African authorities to identify those behind the attacks, make arrests and ensure that offenders face prosecution.

Relations between the two countries have faced similar challenges in the past. Major episodes of xenophobic violence in 2008, 2015 and 2019 affected Nigerians and other African migrants, with Nigerian-owned businesses among those suffering damage. These repeated incidents have continued to test relations between the two major African economies.

There have nevertheless been attempts to prevent the latest tensions from escalating. South Africa’s Foreign Minister, Ronald Lamola, visited Abuja in July for discussions with Nigerian officials and condemned xenophobia, while insisting that the attacks were not sponsored by the South African government.

With the latest suspension now in place, attention will turn to Pretoria’s response and whether stronger measures will be taken to protect Nigerian citizens. The development adds another difficult chapter to Nigeria-South Africa relations, as both countries face pressure to address the security concerns surrounding their citizens and maintain diplomatic ties.