In a significant diplomatic development, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially lifted the visa ban imposed on Nigerian travelers. This decision came after a crucial meeting between Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi.
One of the key outcomes of this meeting was the immediate resumption of flight schedules for both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines, connecting Nigeria with the UAE, without any further delays.
This announcement was made through a statement issued by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Publicity. According to the statement, the restoration of flight operations between the two countries through these airlines does not require an immediate payment from the Nigerian government.
Furthermore, as a result of President Tinubu’s efforts and proposals aimed at economic development diplomacy, a framework has been established. This framework entails substantial investments worth billions of U.S. dollars into various sectors of the Nigerian economy, including defense, agriculture, and others, by the investment arms of the UAE government.
President Tinubu also successfully negotiated a joint foreign exchange liquidity program between the two nations, which will be elaborated on in the upcoming weeks.
In conclusion, President Tinubu expressed his appreciation for UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s unwavering friendship and determined commitment to work together to fully normalize and elevate the level of relations between these two important countries.
