Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has called on the Federal Government and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to adopt reciprocal measures against countries that subject Nigerians to unfair treatment.
In a statement shared on her Facebook page on Thursday, the lawmaker said Nigeria should no longer remain passive when its citizens face discrimination or unjust treatment in foreign countries.
She specifically urged the Nigeria Immigration Service to review visa applications submitted by South African artistes and their entourages, stressing that Nigeria’s foreign policy should be guided by the principle of reciprocity.
“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,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.
According to the senator, reciprocity is a recognised diplomatic principle, and countries that mistreat Nigerians should expect corresponding actions from Nigeria.
“When our citizens face discriminatory or unjust treatment abroad, Nigeria must demonstrate that such actions carry corresponding consequences,” she stated.
She further urged the Federal Government to ensure that Nigeria’s foreign policy protects the dignity and rights of its citizens wherever they may be. she added.
Her comments come amid growing diplomatic concerns between Nigeria and South Africa over the treatment of Nigerians living in the country.
Last week, the Federal Government demanded a transparent investigation into the death of Ibeh Chika Simon, a Nigerian who died during a South African police operation in Bellville, Cape Town, after videos surfaced showing officers allegedly assaulting him.
The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg also condemned the incident, noting that it followed the shooting of another Nigerian, Patrick Chuks Egwabor, and described the cases as part of a disturbing pattern of alleged misconduct and unresolved killings involving foreign nationals.
The Federal Government has also repatriated 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa this year following xenophobic attacks, while reiterating that racial intolerance, xenophobia and violence against foreign nationals remain unacceptable.
