Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan calls for fair treatment in visa issues with South Africa

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has asked the Federal Government to treat South Africa the same way it treats Nigeria. This comes after reports that Nigerian singer Ayra Starr and her team were denied entry visas.

In a statement posted on Facebook on Thursday, the senator urged the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Federal Government to look into visa applications from South African artists and their teams. This review should happen if it is confirmed that Ayra Starr’s team was denied visas, which led to the cancellation of their events.

Her comments come as many people express anger over the reported cancellation of Ayra Starr's events in South Africa. This situation has reopened discussions about how South African authorities treat Nigerian travelers and entertainers.

Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan said Nigeria should take action until its citizens get what she called fair and respectful treatment.

"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.

"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.

The senator made it clear that her comments are not aimed at South African singer Tyla or any specific artist.

"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.

According to the senator, reciprocity should guide Nigeria’s actions whenever its citizens face unfair treatment abroad.

She added, "Reciprocity is a recognised instrument of diplomacy. When our citizens face discriminatory or unjust treatment abroad, Nigeria must show that such actions have consequences.

"Our foreign policy should protect the dignity of Nigerians everywhere and ensure that respect between nations is mutual, not one-sided."

Meanwhile, many Nigerians on social media have shared mixed views about calls to boycott Tyla’s concert in Lagos. Some are linking this event to ongoing anger over xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

At the time of writing this report, PREMIUM TIMES could not confirm the reported visa denial. Neither the Nigerian government nor South African authorities have made any public comments about the situation.