Senator Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, has called on the Federal Government and the Nigeria Immigration Service to review visa applications of South African artistes and their entourages in line with the principle of reciprocity in foreign policy.
The senator made the call in a statement issued on Thursday following reports that Nigerian music star Ayra Starr and members of her team were allegedly denied entry visas to South Africa, resulting in the cancellation of their engagements.
Senator Natasha aid Nigeria must not remain passive when its citizens are subjected to unfair 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.
She added that if the reports concerning Ayra Starr are confirmed, Nigeria should adopt corresponding measures until Nigerians receive fair and respectful treatment.
“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 stated.
The lawmaker stressed that her position was not directed at South African singer Tyla or any individual artiste, but rather at the broader issue of mutual respect between nations.
“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.
Describing reciprocity as a recognised instrument of diplomacy, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that discriminatory actions against Nigerians abroad should attract appropriate consequences.
“When our citizens face discriminatory or unjust treatment abroad, Nigeria must demonstrate that such actions carry corresponding consequences,” she said.
The senator further urged the Federal Government to ensure that Nigeria’s foreign policy reflects the nation’s dignity and protects its citizens wherever they may be.
“Our foreign policy should protect the dignity of Nigerians everywhere and ensure that respect between nations is mutual, not one-sided,” she added.
The statement has generated significant reactions on social media, with many Nigerians debating whether the country should adopt stricter reciprocal visa policies in response to alleged diplomatic or immigration-related grievances involving its citizens abroad.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan concluded her statement with a patriotic message, saying, “Viva Nigeria.”
