Nigeria Suspends Official Visits to South Africa Over Anti-Migrant Violence

Nigeria has taken a stronger stance against the recurring attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. On September 11, 2026, Nigeria’s National Assembly announced that it was suspending official visits to South Africa and boycotting South African-hosted legislative activities until further notice. The decision affects lawmakers, parliamentary committees, officials and staff, including participation in conferences and virtual engagements.

Nigeria has not suspended diplomatic relations with South Africa. The move is specifically a parliamentary boycott.

The decision follows renewed anti-immigrant protests and xenophobic violence in South Africa. Protesters have blamed foreign nationals for unemployment, crime and pressure on public services, with Nigerians and other African migrants among those targeted. The situation became particularly concerning after two Nigerians were killed during unrest in June. Nigeria says at least 98 Nigerians have died in mob attacks, hate-related violence and extrajudicial killings in South Africa since 2022. For Abuja, the problem is not new. Nigeria has repeatedly called on South African authorities to protect Nigerians and prosecute those responsible for attacks. But the continued violence appears to have pushed the government to take a harder position.

South Africa has condemned xenophobia and says it is committed to protecting foreign nationals living in the country. South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola visited Abuja in July to discuss the attacks with Nigerian officials and reiterated his government’s opposition to xenophobic violence. Following Nigeria’s latest announcement, however, Lamola said South Africa had not received formal communication about the suspension. He also warned against allowing the dispute to damage relations between the two countries, describing Nigeria and South Africa as major African powers that need to continue working together.

For now, this is more of a political warning than a diplomatic break. Nigeria and South Africa still maintain diplomatic relations and significant economic and political ties. But the boycott sends a clear message to Pretoria: Nigeria expects stronger action to protect its citizens.

It could also increase pressure on South African authorities to investigate attacks, prosecute perpetrators and address the conditions that continue to fuel anti-migrant sentiment. The risk, however, is that repeated incidents could deepen mistrust between the two countries.

Nigeria and South Africa have historically been two of the most influential countries on the continent. They cooperate on trade, diplomacy, security and African affairs. A prolonged dispute over the treatment of Nigerians could make that cooperation more difficult.