Abu Dhabi, UAE – September 11, 2023: In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially lifted the visa ban imposed on Nigerian travelers. This milestone decision comes following a high-level meeting between President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential spokesperson, issued a statement confirming this positive development, revealing that both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines are now authorized to “immediately resume flight schedules into and out of Nigeria without any further delay.”
The statement continued, stating that “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.”
This breakthrough comes as a testament to President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to economic development diplomacy. During their meeting, President Tinubu presented a series of proposals to his UAE counterpart, resulting in the establishment of an agreed framework. This framework will facilitate several billion dollars’ worth of new investments into the Nigerian economy across various sectors, including defense, agriculture, and others. These investments will be channeled through the investment arms of the Government of the United Arab Emirates.
This move not only mends diplomatic relations between the two nations but also opens up opportunities for economic growth and cooperation between Nigeria and the UAE. As flight operations resume and investments flow into Nigeria, both countries are set to benefit from this pivotal diplomatic achievement.
