Natasha Asks FG, Immigration Service to Review Tyla’s Visa Over Ayra Starr’s Alleged South Africa Snub

• Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has urged the Federal Government to deny visas to South African artistes if reports that Ayra Starr and members of her team were refused entry into South Africa are confirmed.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has urged the Federal Government to apply the principle of reciprocity in its diplomatic relations with South Africa following reports that Nigerian singer Ayra Starr and members of her team were allegedly denied entry visas.

In a statement shared on her Facebook page on Thursday, the senator called on the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Federal Government to review visa applications submitted by South African artistes and their entourages if it is confirmed that Ayra Starr’s team was denied visas, forcing the cancellation of their scheduled engagements.

The lawmaker’s call follows widespread public outrage over reports that the Grammy-nominated singer cancelled appearances in South Africa after members of her entourage were allegedly refused entry visas.

According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, Nigeria should respond with equivalent measures until its citizens and entertainers receive fair and respectful treatment abroad.

“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.

“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 said.

The senator clarified that her position was not directed at South African music star Tyla or any individual entertainer, but rather a call for Nigeria to uphold mutual respect in its international relations.

“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 added.

Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed that reciprocity is a recognised diplomatic tool and should guide Nigeria’s response whenever its citizens are subjected to discriminatory or unfair treatment abroad.

She further urged the Federal Government to ensure Nigeria’s foreign policy protects the dignity of its citizens wherever they may be.

Meanwhile, the reported visa incident has sparked mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians calling for a boycott of Tyla’s upcoming concert in Lagos, while others argue that individual artistes should not be held responsible for the actions of foreign governments.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigerian government nor South African authorities had officially commented on the alleged visa denial, and the claims have not been independently verified.