Tinubu’s diplomatic shuttle fruitful as UAE lifts Visa ban on Nigerians

The United Arab Emirate (UAE) has suspended the ban placed on Nigerian travelers since October 2022.

The lifting of the ban follows a meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the UAE President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Monday in Abu Dhabi.

Recall that Tinubu, after the G20 meeting in India, headed to the UAE in a diplomatic shuttle to resolve the Visa ban issue.

A statement by Tinubu’s spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said both leaders have finalized a historic agreement, which has resulted in the immediate cessation of the visa ban placed on Nigerian travelers.

The statement furthermore stated that the historic agreement means 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.”