After Tinubu’s Intervention, UAE Lifts Visa Ban on Nigerians
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has achieved significant diplomatic breakthroughs with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as the visa ban imposed on Nigerians has been officially lifted.
According to a statement by Tinubu’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, a historic agreement was reached during a meeting between President Tinubu and UAE ruler, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
This agreement has led to the immediate removal of the visa ban that had been imposed on Nigerian travelers.
Furthermore, as part of this landmark deal, both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines are set to promptly resume their flight schedules into and out of Nigeria, with no additional delays.
Importantly, this resumption of flight operations and the diplomatic agreement do not require any immediate financial contributions from the Nigerian government, as negotiated by the two Heads of State.
Ngelale highlighted that this development stems from President Tinubu’s commitment to economic diplomacy and the proposals presented to his UAE counterpart.
He said this newly-agreed framework will involve several billions of U.S. dollars worth of new investments into the Nigerian economy across multiple sectors.
The sectors include defense, agriculture and others and will be made 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,” Ngelale stated.
“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.”
