Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called on the Federal Government and the Nigeria Immigration Service to review the visa applications of South African artistes and their entourages under the principle of reciprocity in foreign policy.
The lawmaker representing Kogi Central made the call following reports that Nigerian music star Ayra Starr and members of her team were denied entry visas to South Africa, resulting in the cancellation of scheduled engagements.
In a statement, Akpoti-Uduaghan urged Nigerian authorities to verify the circumstances surrounding the incident and take corresponding diplomatic measures if the reports are confirmed.
“I call on the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Federal Government of Nigeria to review the visa applications of South African artistes and their entourages in accordance with the principle of reciprocity in foreign policy,” she said.
She added: “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.”
The senator stressed that her position was not directed at South African singer Tyla but was instead focused on ensuring fairness in relations between both countries.
“This is not a call against Tyla as an individual. Rather, it is a call for Nigeria to uphold the principle of mutual respect that underpins international relations,” she stated.
According to her, reciprocity remains a recognised diplomatic tool that nations can deploy when their citizens are subjected to unfair treatment abroad.
She argued that Nigeria should demonstrate that actions perceived as discriminatory or unjust towards its citizens carry consequences in line with established diplomatic practice.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also maintained that the country’s foreign policy should safeguard the dignity of Nigerians wherever they are and promote mutual respect between nations.
“Our foreign policy should protect the dignity of Nigerians everywhere and ensure that respect between nations is mutual, not one-sided,” she said.
She concluded her statement with the words: “Viva Nigeria 🇳🇬”.
