BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has lifted the visa ban imposed on Nigerian travellers since November, 2022.
The ban was lifted after president Bola Tinubu led a delegation of some members of his cabinet, including Aviation minister, Festus Keyamo, to the UAE at the weekend, from from India, where he attended the G-20 Summit.
The ban, which was imposed 10 months ago had affected activities of Nigerians who were regular visitors to the Middle East country for businesses, tourism and leisure.
Tinubu had directed the immediate resolutions of the issue when Ambassador Designate, Amb Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, presented his Letter of Credence,” to him at Aso Rock.
In a statement issued by the President spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, announced that the meeting with the UAE authorities was fruitful.
According to the statement; “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Monday in Abu Dhabi, have finalized a historic agreement, which has resulted in the immediate cessation of the visa ban placed on Nigerian travelers.”
“Furthermore, by this historic agreement, both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines are to immediately resume flight schedules into and out of Nigeria, without any further delay.
“As negotiated between the two Heads of State, this immediate restoration of flight activity, through these two airlines and between the two countries, does not involve any immediate payment by the Nigerian government.
“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.”
