The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has lifted its visa ban on Nigerians. The ban was lifted following negotiations between Nigeria’s new President Bola Tinubu and UAE leader Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This is coming almost a year after the Middle-Eastern country, due to some unresolved diplomatic row with Nigeria stopped all flights to and fro the two nations, and also placed a ban on Nigerian travellers.
With this development, there is an immediate restoration of flight activity of both Etihad and Emirates Airlines.
A statement signed by the presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, reads “In recognition of President Tinubu’s economic development diplomacy drive and proposals today presented by President Tinubu to his counterpart, an agreed framework has been established, which will involve several billions of U.S. dollars worth of new investments into the Nigerian economy across multiple sectors, including defense, agriculture and others, by the investment arms of the Government of the United Arab Emirates.
“Additionally, President Tinubu is pleased to have successfully negotiated a joint, new foreign exchange liquidity programme between the two governments, which will be announced in detail in the coming weeks.
“In conclusion, the President wishes to commend the UAE President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his unalloyed friendship and his determined effort to join hands with him to fully normalize and reset to excellence, the standard of relations between the two important countries.”
