It also ​‌‍‍‌‍⁠‍⁠⁠‌‍⁠​​⁠⁠​⁠‌​directed the boycotting of South African-hosted or South African-organised legislative activities and engagements until further notice.

Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, conveyed the decision of the National Assembly leadership in a statement made available to News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Friday.

Ogunlana said that the decision was in response to continuing reports of xenophobic attacks, violence, intimidation, destruction of property and other forms of hostility against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

According to the clerk, the decision reflects the National Assembly’s grave concern for the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad.

“The National Assembly calls on the Government of the Republic of South Africa to take urgent and concrete measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals, prevent further attacks.

“The National Assembly leadership urged South African authorities to investigate reported incidents thoroughly, arrest suspected perpetrators and prosecute those culpable in accordance with the law,” Ogunlana said.

He said that the suspension and boycott would remain in force until further notice and subject to review by the leadership of the National Assembly as circumstances warrant.

The decision comes amid renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa following a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks and anti-foreigner protests in parts of the country.

The unrest has been driven in part by anti-immigrant groups campaigning against undocumented migrants and demanding that foreigners leave some parts of the country.

The attacks have led to reports of threats, intimidation, violence, destruction of property and deaths involving foreign nationals, prompting several African governments to take measures to protect or repatriate their citizens.

Nigeria intensified its response after the deaths of two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, during the latest crisis. The Federal Government condemned the deaths and subsequently began a voluntary evacuation programme for Nigerians who wanted to leave South Africa.

More than 1,000 Nigerians were eventually repatriated under the exercise. The first batch of 258 returnees arrived in Lagos in June aboard a specially chartered Air Peace flight.

(NAN)