“Reciprocate If Ayra Starr’s Team Was Denied Visas” — Akpoti-Uduaghan Tells FG To Review South African Artistes’ Applications

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has called on the Federal Government to apply the principle of reciprocity in its dealings with South Africa following reports that Nigerian singer Ayra Starr and members of her team were allegedly denied entry visas.
In a statement shared on Facebook on Thursday, the senator urged the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Federal Government to review visa applications submitted by South African artistes and their entourages if it is confirmed that Ayra Starr’s team was denied visas, leading to the cancellation of scheduled engagements in South Africa.
The lawmaker’s reaction followed public outrage over reports that the Grammy-nominated Nigerian singer cancelled planned engagements in South Africa after some members of her team were allegedly denied entry visas.
The development has reignited debate over the treatment of Nigerian travellers, entertainers and professionals by South African authorities.
Akpoti-Uduaghan said Nigeria should respond with equivalent measures where its citizens are subjected to unfair or discriminatory 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 said.
“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 added.
She clarified that her position was not an attack on South African singer Tyla or any individual artiste, but a call for mutual respect in diplomatic relations.
“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 Akpoti-Uduaghan, reciprocity is a recognised diplomatic tool and should guide Nigeria’s response whenever its citizens face unjust treatment in another country.
“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,” she said.
“Our foreign policy should protect the dignity of Nigerians everywhere and ensure that respect between nations is mutual, not one-sided,” she added.
The senator’s comments also come amid divided reactions on social media over calls to boycott Tyla’s scheduled concert in Lagos, with some Nigerians linking the event to renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks and the alleged mistreatment of Nigerians in South Africa.
As of the time of the report, the alleged visa denial could not be independently verified, and neither the Nigerian government nor South African authorities had publicly commented on the claims.
The post “Reciprocate If Ayra Starr’s Team Was Denied Visas” — Akpoti-Uduaghan Tells FG To Review South African Artistes’ Applications appeared first on TheNigeriaLawyer.