Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has issued a strong appeal to both the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). She is advocating for a thorough re-evaluation of all visa applications submitted by South African artistes and their associated personnel.
This call is firmly rooted in the established principle of reciprocity, a cornerstone of international relations, and stems directly from distressing reports that Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr was allegedly denied entry into South Africa.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan articulated her stance in a formal statement released on Thursday, emphasizing that Nigeria cannot afford to adopt a passive approach when its citizens face unfair or discriminatory treatment in other nations.She underscored the critical importance of Nigeria’s foreign policy actively reflecting a commitment to mutual respect and robustly safeguarding the inherent dignity of all Nigerians, irrespective of their geographical location.
“I am calling upon the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Federal Government of Nigeria to meticulously review the visa applications of South African artistes and their entourages, ensuring strict adherence to the principle of reciprocity that should govern our foreign policy,” the senator declared.
Akpoti-Uduaghan further elaborated that if the circulating reports are indeed confirmed – specifically, that Ayra Starr and members of her professional team were refused South African entry visas, leading to the unavoidable cancellation of their scheduled performances and engagements – then Nigeria must respond with precisely equivalent measures.
This measured yet firm response would serve as a clear signal that such actions have direct and proportional consequences. “Should it be confirmed that our Nigerian artiste, Ayra Starr, and her team were indeed denied entry visas to South Africa, consequently forcing the cancellation of their planned engagements, then Nigeria should undoubtedly respond with commensurate measures until Nigerian citizens and artistes are consistently accorded fair and respectful treatment,” she asserted.However, the lawmaker was keen to clarify the intent behind her strong advocacy.
She explicitly stated that her position is not aimed at targeting South African singer Tyla or any individual artiste personally. Instead, her objective is to foster a more equitable and balanced diplomatic relationship between the two nations. “This is not a directive against Tyla as an individual. Rather, it is a resolute call for Nigeria to staunchly uphold the principle of mutual respect that forms the very foundation of healthy international relations,” she added, highlighting the broader diplomatic implications.
According to the senator, the concept of reciprocity is a well-established and vital instrument in the diplomatic toolkit, and it is imperative that it be actively applied whenever Nigerian citizens encounter discriminatory or unjust treatment on foreign soil. “When our citizens are subjected to discriminatory or unjust treatment abroad, Nigeria must unequivocally demonstrate that such actions carry corresponding and unavoidable consequences,” she stated, emphasizing the need for a proactive stance.Furthermore, she implored the Federal Government to ensure that Nigeria’s foreign policy actively serves as a protective shield for the dignity of Nigerians worldwide and actively promotes a climate of mutual respect among all nations.
“Our foreign policy must serve to protect the dignity of Nigerians everywhere and ensure that respect between nations is a two-way street, characterized by mutuality, not a one-sided imposition,” she articulated, calling for a balanced international engagement.Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s pointed statement comes in the wake of widespread media reports and extensive public discussion on social media platforms concerning allegations that Ayra Starr and her team were denied visas to South Africa.
This incident has ignited a fervent debate regarding the potential necessity for Nigeria to implement more stringent reciprocal visa policies against countries perceived to be treating its citizens unfairly.
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