South Africa’s senator for Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti, has urged her country’s administration and the Nigeria Immigration Service to follow suit in accordance with international law.
In response to a campaign by Nigerians to boycott South African singer Tyla’s Lagos concert in light of recent attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, she issued the plea on Thursday evening.
Ayra Starr’s concert in South Africa was reportedly cancelled after the government there rejected permits to the singer and her entourage.
Senator Natasha vowed that the Federal Government (FG) will “respond with equivalent measures,” in accordance with foreign policy, in response to the persistent demands from Nigerians to not attend South African singer Tyla’s performance in Nigeria.
“Reciprocity is a recognised instrument of diplomacy,” Natasha said in an Instagram post in which she bemoaned what she saw as a lack of respect for Nigerians.
In keeping with the principle of reciprocity in foreign policy, I urge the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Federal Government of Nigeria to examine the visa applications of South African artists and their entourages.
Until Nigerian people and artists are treated fairly and respectfully, Nigeria should take similar action if it is proven that Ayra Starr and her team were denied entrance permits to South Africa, causing the cancellation of their engagements.
This is not meant to be directed at Tyla personally. Rather, it is a plea for Nigeria to uphold the ideal of mutual respect that underpins international interactions. Reciprocity is a recognized instrument of diplomacy. When our nationals experience unfair or unjust treatment abroad, Nigeria must demonstrate that such activities bring equal consequences.
“Our foreign policy should protect the dignity of Nigerians everywhere and ensure that respect between nations is mutual, not one-sided,” she remarked.