Senator Natasha Akpoti Urges Nigeria to Apply Visa Reciprocity on South African Artistes

The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has called on the Federal Government and the Nigeria Immigration Service to review visa applications submitted by South African artistes and their entourages, citing the principle of reciprocity in foreign policy.Her statement follows the controversy surrounding South African singer Tyla’s cancelled Lagos concert and reports that Nigerian star Ayra Starr and her team were previously denied entry visas to South Africa, leading to cancelled performances.Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed that Nigeria must not remain passive when its citizens face unfair treatment abroad. She urged authorities to adopt corresponding measures if the reports about Ayra Starr’s visa denial are confirmed.“Nigeria should respond with equivalent measures until Nigerian citizens and artistes are accorded fair and respectful treatment,” she said.The senator clarified that her position was not directed at Tyla personally, but at ensuring Nigeria’s foreign policy reflects fairness and mutual respect. She described reciprocity as a legitimate diplomatic tool, insisting that discriminatory actions against Nigerians abroad should attract consequences.Her intervention comes after Tyla removed Lagos from her APOP World Tour schedule amid boycott calls linked to renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.The development has sparked debate on social media, with some Nigerians supporting stricter reciprocal visa measures, while others such as activist Omoyele Sowore argue that artistes should not be held responsible for xenophobic incidents.As of press time, Tyla’s management has not explained why Lagos was dropped from the tour, and concert promoters have yet to confirm whether the event is cancelled or postponed.

The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti, has called on the Nigerian government and the Nigeria Immigration Service to reciprocate South Africa’s actions in line with foreign policy principles. She made the call on Thursday evening while reacting to a campaign by Nigerians against South African singer Tyla’s concert in Lagos amid attacks on Nigerians in South […] Tyla: ‘Respond with equivalent measures’ – Senator Natasha tells Nigerian government over Ayra Starr visa denial