Akpoti-Uduaghan urges FG to invoke reciprocity over Ayra Starr’s reported visa denial

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has called upon the Nigerian Federal Government to implement the principle of reciprocity in its diplomatic relations with South Africa. This demand arises from recent reports alleging that Nigerian singer Ayra Starr and her team were denied entry visas to South Africa, resulting in the cancellation of their scheduled performances.

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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.

In a statement released on Facebook, the senator urged the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Federal Government to scrutinize visa applications from South African artists and their associates. She emphasized that if the visa denial for Ayra Starr's team is confirmed, Nigeria should reciprocate by taking equivalent measures. This action, she stated, is necessary until Nigerian citizens and entertainers receive fair and respectful treatment from South African authorities.

Akpoti-Uduaghan clarified that her stance is not aimed at individual South African artists like Tyla, but rather at upholding the principle of mutual respect fundamental to international relations. She highlighted reciprocity as a recognized diplomatic tool that Nigeria should employ when its citizens encounter discriminatory or unjust treatment abroad.

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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.

"Reciprocity is a recognized instrument of diplomacy," she stated. "When our citizens face discriminatory or unjust treatment abroad, Nigeria must demonstrate that such actions carry corresponding consequences. Our foreign policy should protect the dignity of Nigerians everywhere and ensure that respect between nations is mutual, not one-sided."

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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.

Meanwhile, social media in Nigeria has seen divided opinions regarding calls to boycott Tyla's upcoming concert in Lagos. Many users are linking this sentiment to the ongoing outrage over xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa. Premium Times has not independently verified the reported visa denial.

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Reciprocity is a recognized instrument of diplomacy. When our citizens face discriminatory or unjust treatment abroad, Nigeria must demonstrate that such actions carry corresponding consequences. Our foreign policy should protect the dignity of Nigerians everywhere and ensure that respect between nations is mutual, not one-sided.