By Kingston Magare 31.7.2026
Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan has urged the Federal Government and Nigeria Immigration Service to be tough on the issuance of visas to South Africans following the reported treatment meted to Nigerian star singer Ayra Star.
Ayra Starr and her company were denied entry visas by the South Africans and according to the Senator representing Kogi Central Nigeria must do a tit-for-tat.
“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,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.
“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.”
According to the senator, reciprocity remains a recognised tool of diplomacy and should be applied whenever 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.
“Our foreign policy should protect the dignity of Nigerians everywhere and ensure that respect between nations is mutual, not one-sided,” she said.