Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has urged the Nigerian government and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to consider reciprocal measures against South Africa following recent tensions involving Nigerian artistes.
The senator made the call on Thursday while reacting to calls by some Nigerians to boycott South African singer Tyla’s planned concert in Lagos over alleged attacks and discrimination against Nigerians living in South Africa.
The development comes after reports that South African authorities denied visas to Nigerian singer Ayra Starr and her team, resulting in the cancellation of her scheduled performance in the country.
Addressing the controversy, Natasha called on the Federal Government to respond in line with diplomatic principles, particularly the principle of reciprocity, which allows countries to take similar measures in response to actions by other nations.
In a statement shared on Instagram, the lawmaker said Nigeria should review visa applications from South African artistes and their teams if it is confirmed that Ayra Starr and her crew were denied entry unfairly.
She stressed that her position was not targeted at Tyla personally but was aimed at ensuring that Nigerians receive fair treatment abroad.
According to Natasha, Nigeria’s foreign policy should protect the dignity of its citizens and ensure that relations with other countries are based on mutual respect.
BACKSTORY:
The controversy between Nigeria and South Africa has intensified following reports that Nigerian singer Ayra Starr and her team were denied entry visas by South African authorities, resulting in the cancellation of her planned performance in the country.
The development sparked reactions from Nigerians, with some calling for a boycott of South African singer Tyla’s upcoming concert in Lagos, citing concerns over alleged unfair treatment of Nigerians in South Africa and recent xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians.
Amid the growing debate, Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan called on the Nigerian government and the Nigeria Immigration Service to respond using the principle of reciprocity in international relations.
The lawmaker argued that if Nigerian artistes are subjected to unfair treatment abroad, Nigeria should consider taking similar measures to protect the dignity of its citizens and ensure mutual respect between both countries.
Natasha clarified that her position was not directed at Tyla personally but was aimed at urging the Federal Government to uphold Nigeria’s foreign policy interests and ensure Nigerians receive fair treatment in other countries.
