“If Ayra Starr Was Denied Entry, South African Artistes Should Face Reciprocity” — Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Calls on FG to Review Visas

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called on the Federal Government and the Nigeria Immigration Service to consider applying the **principle of reciprocity** to South African artistes and their entourages amid growing tensions over the treatment of Nigerian entertainers in South Africa.

In a statement, the Kogi Central senator said that if reports that Nigerian singer Ayra Starr and her team were denied entry visas to South Africa are confirmed, Nigeria should respond with equivalent measures until Nigerian citizens and artistes receive fair and respectful treatment.

Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed that her position was **not an attack on South African singer Tyla personally**, but rather a call for Nigeria to protect the dignity of its citizens through diplomatic action.

She argued that reciprocity is a recognised instrument of foreign policy and that unfair treatment of Nigerians abroad should attract corresponding consequences.

The senator’s position comes amid the growing backlash against Tyla’s planned Lagos concert, with some Nigerians calling for a boycott of the event over alleged xenophobic attacks and claims of discriminatory treatment of Nigerian artistes in South Africa.