Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Calls For Reciprocal Visa Measures Over Ayra Starr’s South Africa Incident

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called on the federal government and the Nigeria Immigration Service to review visa applications from South African artistes and their entourages under the principle of reciprocity, following reports that Nigerian singer Ayra Starr and members of her team were denied entry into South Africa.

In a statement shared on her social media pages, the lawmaker urged the government to verify the circumstances surrounding the reported visa denial and, if confirmed, adopt equivalent diplomatic measures until Nigerians receive fair 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,” she wrote.

According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, if it is established that Ayra Starr’s scheduled engagements in South Africa were cancelled because of visa issues, Nigeria should respond with similar measures in line with international diplomatic practice.

“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 stated.

The senator stressed that her position was not directed at South African Grammy-winning singer Tyla, whose planned performance in Nigeria has recently become the subject of online debate.

“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 said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan noted that reciprocity is a recognised instrument of diplomacy, arguing that Nigeria should defend the rights and dignity of its citizens whenever they are subjected to discriminatory or unfair treatment abroad.

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

Her comments come amid growing conversations on social media about the treatment of Nigerian entertainers travelling to South Africa, with many calling for stronger diplomatic engagement to address recurring concerns over visa restrictions and the broader issue of xenophobia.

At the time of this report, Nigerian and South African authorities had not issued any official statements regarding the reported visa denial involving Ayra Starr and her team.