President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has led to the lifting of the visa ban imposed on Nigerian travellers by the Emirate.
The embargo, which was enforced ten months ago, had an impact on the activities of Nigerians who were frequent visitors to the Middle Eastern country for business, tourism, and leisure.
However, President Bola Tinubu recently reignited many people’s hopes when he pledged to do everything in his power to resolve the diplomatic row between the two countries.
When UAE Ambassador Designate, Amb Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, delivered his “Letter of Credence” to Tinubu at Aso Rock, he directed a speedy resolution of the situation.
Tinubu proceeded to Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, from India, where he attended the G-20 Summit.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Presidential Spokesman, declared on Monday that the meeting with UAE authorities was beneficial.
Ngelale stated that “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Monday in Abu Dhabi, have finalised a historic agreement, which has resulted in the immediate cessation of the visa ban placed on Nigerian travellers.
“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.
“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 the 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 defence, 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 normalise and reset to excellence the standard of relations between the two important countries.”
