UAE Lifts Air Travel Ban, Visa Restriction On Nigeria

By Ayodele Oni

Air travelers from Nigeria to the United Arabs Emirate, (UAE) have cause to rejoice following resumption of operations by airlines operating along the route.

Some airlines operating along the route suspended operation recently following a disagreement between them and Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.

While the suspension lasted, the country also suspended issuance of visa to Nigerians.

President Bola Tinubu after attending the international seminar in India made a detour to UAE on Sunday where he was joined by the minister of aviation, Festus Keyamo for discussion with UAE authority.

However, a statement on Monday by the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said all issues have become past following a meeting with the President of UAE, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahya by his Nigeria’s counterpart.

The statement stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Monday in Abu Dhabi, finalized an agreement, which has resulted in the immediate cessation of the visa ban placed on Nigerian travelers.

“Furthermore, by this historic agreement, both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines are to immediately resume flight schedules into and out of Nigeria, without any further delay.

“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.

“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 U.S. 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.

“In conclusion, the President wishes to commend the UAE President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his unalloyed friendship and his determined effort to join hands with him to fully normalize and reset to excellence, the standard of relations between the two important countries.”