Natasha urges reciprocal visa policy over Ayra Starr’s alleged South Africa denial

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) has urged the Federal Government and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to review visa applications by South African artistes and their entourages based on the principle of reciprocity, following reports that Nigerian singer Ayra Starr was denied entry into South Africa.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the senator said Nigeria should not remain passive when its citizens are subjected to unfair treatment abroad.

She called on the Federal Government and the NIS to ensure that the country’s foreign policy reflects mutual respect and protects the dignity of Nigerians.

“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.

Akpoti-Uduaghan said if reports that Ayra Starr and members of her team were denied South African entry visas, forcing the cancellation of their engagements, are confirmed, Nigeria should respond with equivalent measures.

“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 lawmaker, however, said her position was not directed at any individual artiste.

“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 added.

According to her, reciprocity remains a recognised tool of diplomacy and should be applied when Nigerians are subjected to discriminatory or unjust treatment abroad.

“When our citizens face discriminatory or unjust treatment abroad, Nigeria must demonstrate that such actions carry corresponding consequences,” she said.

She urged the Federal Government to ensure that Nigeria’s foreign policy protects the dignity of its citizens and promotes mutual respect among nations.

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

The statement followed reports that Ayra Starr and members of her team were allegedly denied visas to South Africa, sparking debate on social media over whether Nigeria should adopt stricter reciprocal visa measures against countries accused of treating its citizens unfairly.