Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called on the Federal Government and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to consider applying the principle of diplomatic reciprocity following reports that Nigerian singer Ayra Starr and members of her team were denied visas by South African authorities.
The senator, who represents Kogi Central, made the call while reacting to growing public debate surrounding South African singer Tyla’s planned concert in Lagos and concerns over the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa.
DailyInsightNG report that Ayra Starr’s scheduled performance in South Africa was reportedly cancelled after visa applications for the singer and her crew were denied.
Responding to the development, Akpoti-Uduaghan argued that Nigeria should review visa applications submitted by South African entertainers and their entourages in line with established diplomatic principles if the reports are confirmed.
According to the senator, reciprocity remains a recognised tool in international relations and should be considered whenever Nigerians are subjected to unfair treatment abroad.
“If it is confirmed that our Nigerian artiste, Ayra Starr, and her team were denied entry visas to South Africa, leading to the cancellation of their engagements, then Nigeria should respond with equivalent measures until Nigerian citizens and artistes are accorded fair and respectful treatment,” she said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed that her position was not directed at Tyla personally but was instead focused on ensuring mutual respect between both countries.
She maintained that Nigeria’s foreign policy should protect the dignity of its citizens and ensure that diplomatic relations are based on fairness and reciprocity.
The senator added that actions perceived as discriminatory against Nigerians should attract an appropriate diplomatic response where necessary.
The remarks come amid renewed discussions on social media over visa policies, cross-border relations and the treatment of Nigerian entertainers in South Africa.
As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Government and the Nigeria Immigration Service had not issued any official response to the senator’s recommendation.