Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, has called on the Federal Government and the Nigeria Immigration Service to stop South African Grammy-winning singer Tyla and her entourage from entering Nigeria just as Nigerian artiste, Ayra Starr was denied entry into South Africa.

The senator anchored her position on the principle of reciprocity in foreign policy, arguing that Nigeria should adopt equivalent diplomatic measures whenever its citizens are subjected to unfair treatment abroad.

In a statement issued on Thursday via her Facebook handle, Akpoti-Uduaghan urged immigration authorities to review the visa applications of South African artistes seeking entry into Nigeria, insisting that any action taken should reflect the treatment meted out to Nigerian entertainers.

“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,” she said.

She added that if it is established that Ayra Starr and her team were denied South African visas, forcing the cancellation of their engagements, Nigeria should respond with corresponding measures until Nigerians receive fair treatment.

“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,” the senator stated.

Akpoti-Uduaghan clarified that her position was not directed at Tyla personally but was intended to ensure that Nigeria’s foreign policy protects the rights and dignity of its citizens.

“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. Reciprocity is a recognized instrument of diplomacy.

“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 added.

The senator’s comments come amid growing calls on social media for Nigerians to boycott Tyla’s scheduled A’POP World Tour concert in Lagos on December 22, 2026, following renewed reports of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa.