Lawmakers put planned engagement with South African authorities on hold amid fresh concerns over the safety of Nigerians living and doing business in the country.

The National Assembly has suspended a planned visit to South Africa following renewed reports of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals in the country.

The decision comes amid growing concerns among Nigerian lawmakers over the safety and welfare of citizens living, working and operating businesses in South Africa.

The proposed visit was initially being considered as part of efforts by the Nigerian legislature to engage directly with South African authorities and parliament over the recurring attacks and harassment of Nigerians.

The planned engagement was expected to provide an opportunity for Nigerian lawmakers to raise concerns about the treatment of Nigerian citizens and seek stronger measures to prevent further attacks.

However, the latest reports of renewed xenophobic incidents have prompted the National Assembly to put the planned visit on hold as concerns over the security of Nigerians intensify.

Xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals, including Nigerians, have remained a recurring source of tension in relations between Nigeria and South Africa. Nigerian citizens have in the past reported attacks, intimidation, looting of businesses and other forms of harassment during periods of xenophobic violence.

The Nigerian government and lawmakers have repeatedly condemned such incidents, stressing that Nigerians living abroad must be treated with dignity and protected in accordance with the law.

The latest development is expected to place the issue under renewed legislative and diplomatic scrutiny, particularly as Nigerian authorities assess reports emerging from South Africa and consider appropriate measures to safeguard their citizens.

The suspension of the proposed parliamentary visit does not necessarily bring an end to efforts to engage South African authorities. Instead, lawmakers are expected to continue monitoring developments and exploring diplomatic and legislative channels for addressing the concerns.

Relations between Nigeria and South Africa have generally remained important to both countries because of their economic, political and people-to-people ties. However, repeated incidents involving Nigerian nationals have periodically strained the relationship between the two leading African economies.

The National Assembly's latest position underscores the seriousness with which Nigerian lawmakers are treating the safety of Nigerians in South Africa and could pave the way for further discussions between both countries on preventing xenophobia and protecting foreign nationals.

Authorities are expected to continue assessing the situation and determine the next steps as efforts to find a lasting solution to attacks against Nigerians in South Africa continue.