UAE Finally Lift Visa Ban on Nigerians, Etihad, Emirates Airlines Returns

By Reporter

Nigeria and the United Arab Emirate (UAE) have finalised agreement on the lifting of visa ban placed on Nigerian travelers and the immediate resumption of flights by Etihad and Emirates Airlines.

This followed the visit of President Bola Tinubu to the emirate on Monday after his visit to the G20 summit in New Delhi, India.

A statement by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale said that the immediate restoration of flight of these 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.

‘’It will involve several billions of U.S. dollars’ worth of new investments into Nigerian economy across multiple sectors, including defence, agriculture and others, by the investment arms of the Government of the UAE.

‘’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.’’

The President commended the UAE President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his unalloyed friendship and determination to normalised the relations between the two countries.

In October 2022, the UAE authorities imposed a visa ban on Nigerians, coinciding with the suspension of flights by Emirates.

Nigerian airline, Air Peace, also ceased its Dubai flights in response to the UAE’s visa issuance halt for potential travelers.

During the meeting, which took place at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed renewed his congratulations to Tinubu on assuming the presidency earlier this year, and wished him every success in leading Nigeria and its people to further progress and prosperity.

Sheikh Mohamed expressed his hope that the two leaders will work together to reinforce ties between the UAE and Nigeria for the benefit of both countries.

The UAE President and Nigerian President explored opportunities for further bilateral collaboration in areas that serve both countries’ sustainable economic growth, including the economic, development, energy, and climate action fields.

The two sides also exchanged views on a number of regional and international developments of interest.

The meeting discussed the upcoming COP28 climate conference set to take place in the UAE later this year, with both parties stressing the vital importance of encouraging and enabling international cooperation to tackle global issues, including climate change.

Sheikh Mohamed underscored the UAE’s ongoing commitment to fostering ties with countries that share the same aspirations for stability, sustainable growth, and development and prosperity for their people.

He further emphasised the particular importance the UAE attaches to its relationship with Nigeria, within the framework of its strategic vision for relations with the African continent.

The President of Nigeria expressed his pleasure to be visiting the UAE and affirmed his country’s keenness to further enhance bilateral cooperation to support sustainable development and progress in both countries.

Midwest Herald had earlier today exclusively reported that the resumption of Emirates Airlines to Nigeria, as well the lifting of Visa Ban on Nigerians was imminent.