UAE lifts visa ban on Nigerian travellers 

The United Arab Emirates has lifted the ban placed on Nigerian travellers since October 2022.

A statement from the Presidency says the ban was lifted after the UAE’s President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan struck a historic agreement with President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria today Monday, September 11, 2023.

By this historic agreement, both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines are to immediately resume flight schedules in and out of Nigeria.

According to the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the restoration of flight activities does not involve any immediate payment by the Nigerian government.

“In recognition of President Tinubu’s economic development diplomacy drive and proposals today presented by President Tinubu to his counterpart, an agreed framework has been established, which will involve several billions of US dollars worth of new investments into the Nigerian economy across multiple sectors, including defense, 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,” said Ajuri.

Recall that the UAE had, in October last year, placed a visa ban on nationals of 20 African countries, including Nigeria.