Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has urged the Federal Government to consider reciprocal visa measures against South African artistes following reports that Nigerian singer Ayra Starr and members of her team were denied visas to enter South Africa.
The Kogi Central senator called on the Federal Government and the Nigeria Immigration Service to review visa applications from South African artistes and their entourages if the reported denial of Ayra Starr’s team is confirmed. She framed the proposal as a matter of reciprocity, arguing that Nigerian entertainers should receive the same level of access and consideration given to South African performers seeking opportunities in Nigeria.
The issue has gained additional attention amid controversy surrounding South African singer Tyla’s planned Lagos appearance. Her A*POP World Tour schedule had included Nigeria, but the Lagos date has subsequently disappeared from the tour listing without an explanation. Tyla’s official website currently lists her tour information but does not provide a public explanation for the change.
Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed that her position was not directed personally at Tyla, but was instead about how Nigeria responds to treatment of its citizens and artists abroad. Reports of the senator’s comments have emerged as Nigeria and South Africa are already engaged in renewed diplomatic discussions covering migration, governance and regional security.
The two countries have recently been working to ease tensions, with South African officials describing their latest diplomatic engagements with Nigeria as focused on restoring mutual goodwill and strengthening bilateral relations.
The debate has now extended beyond entertainment, with supporters of the senator’s position arguing that Nigeria must respond firmly when its citizens face difficulties abroad. Others fear that imposing reciprocal restrictions on artists could hurt cultural exchange and punish performers for decisions made by immigration authorities.
