Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has urged the Federal Government to adopt foreign policy reciprocity toward South Africa following reports that Grammy-nominated singer Ayra Starr and her team were allegedly denied entry visas. In a statement posted to her Facebook page on Thursday, the lawmaker called on the Federal Government and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to strictly review visa applications submitted by South African artists and their touring crews if the reports surrounding Ayra Starr’s forced event cancellations are verified.
The situation has sparked widespread public discussion regarding the diplomatic treatment and immigration hurdles faced by Nigerian creatives and citizens traveling to South Africa. Emphasizing that equal treatment must underpin bilateral relations, Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that Nigeria must respond in kind until its citizens receive fair and dignified treatment abroad. “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 wrote. “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.”
Addressing public speculation, the senator clarified that her stance was a matter of diplomatic protocol rather than a personal grievance against any specific South African performer. “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 explained. She further noted that reciprocal policy action is a standard diplomatic tool designed to safeguard national pride and prevent unilateral immigration restrictions.
“Reciprocity is a recognised instrument of diplomacy. When our citizens face discriminatory or unjust treatment abroad, Nigeria must demonstrate that such actions carry corresponding consequences,” Akpoti-Uduaghan added. “Our foreign policy should protect the dignity of Nigerians everywhere and ensure that respect between nations is mutual, not one-sided.” The debate has also generated mixed reactions on social media, where some commentators called for a boycott of an upcoming concert by South African singer Tyla in Lagos, citing recurring grievances over xenophobia and visa friction. At the time of reporting, neither the Nigerian nor South African governments had issued an official statement regarding the visa claims, and the allegations remain unconfirmed by independent sources.
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