UAE to lift visa ban on Nigeria soon, minister says
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will soon lift a longstanding visa ban on Nigerian citizens, according to the West African nation's Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo.
This anticipated move comes after extensive discussions and resolutions reached at the highest levels of government.
In a comprehensive 44-minute interview on the State House YouTube channel with Otega Ogra, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu, the minister highlighted that an agreement was finalised between President Tinubu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the former's visit to the UAE in September 2023.
Recent developments indicate that the UAE is ready to reopen its doors to Nigerian travellers, fostering improved bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.
Keyamo emphasised that the official announcement regarding the lifting of the visa ban is on the way and will be made by the UAE government. He expressed confidence that the announcement would restore ease of travel for Nigerian citizens to the UAE.
“After that high-level meeting, Mr. President, credited to him, made things very easy for us all. We did our follow-ups as his ministers. We have done everything. We have resolved everything. Just wait for the announcement from the UAE government, and that announcement is imminent,” he said.
The visa ban lifting is expected to positively impact various sectors, including tourism, business, and cultural exchanges. It will also provide a much-needed boost to individuals and families affected by the travel restrictions.
In 2022, the UAE instituted a visa ban on Nigeria amid various diplomatic disagreements. Additionally, Emirates Airlines, based in Dubai, halted its flights to Nigeria due to the reported inability of Abuja to remit approximately $85 million in revenues to the UAE.
