The President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed, held a meeting with Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement released by Nigerian government officials, it was announced that the UAE has officially lifted its visa ban on travelers from Nigeria.
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who was on a working visit to the UAE.
Following the visit, President Tinubu issued a statement declaring an “immediate cessation of the visa ban imposed on Nigerian travelers.”
Good evening Nigerians – Home and abroad,
Today, in unity with my friend, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan @MohamedBinZayed , we have initiated a new era of collaboration and friendship between our nations – Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.
We've also laid… pic.twitter.com/06XROxcTZT
— Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) September 11, 2023
UAE Rescinds Travel Restrictions for Nigeria
President Tinubu also confirmed that both Etihad and Emirates airlines would resume their flight operations to and from Nigeria.
President Tinubu announced five key agreements resulting from diplomatic talks:
- The immediate lifting of the visa ban on Nigerian travelers to the UAE
- The resumption of flights to and from Nigeria
- An agreed-upon framework for investments totaling billions of dollars in Nigeria’s economy
- The establishment of a joint foreign exchange liquidity program
- A commitment to normalize relations between the two nations
Chief Ajuri Ngelale, special advisor to the President of Nigeria, stated, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, have finalized a historic agreement in Abu Dhabi on Monday, resulting in the immediate lifting of the visa ban on Nigerian travelers.
“Furthermore, as per the terms negotiated by both Heads of State, Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines will promptly resume their flight schedules to and from Nigeria, with no immediate financial burden on the Nigerian government.”
During their meeting at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed congratulated Tinubu on assuming the presidency earlier that year, expressing his wishes for success in leading Nigeria towards progress and prosperity.
Sheikh Mohamed expressed hope for strengthened ties between the UAE and Nigeria to benefit both nations and explored opportunities for further collaboration in areas like economic development, energy, and climate action.
The two leaders also discussed regional and international developments, including the upcoming COP28 climate conference in the UAE, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges, including climate change.
Sheikh Mohamed reiterated the UAE’s commitment to nurturing relationships with countries sharing similar aspirations for stability, sustainable growth, and prosperity.
He underscored the UAE’s particular focus on its relationship with Nigeria within its strategic vision for African continent relations.
President Tinubu expressed his delight at visiting the UAE and affirmed Nigeria’s eagerness to enhance bilateral cooperation in support of sustainable development and progress in both nations.
Publish Date: 12 Sep 2023
Source: https://www.arabianbusiness.com/politics-economics/uae-lifts-nigeria-visa-ban-flights-to-resume-report
