By Ayodele Oni
Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has disclosed that the United Arabs Emirate (UAE) listed stringent processes to be met before the visa ban on Nigerians could be lifted.
This came after President Bola Tinubu visited that country in 2023 and held discussions with the leadership of the Emirate.
The processes, which must be met before the lifting of the ban have since been completed, paving the way for an imminent announcement from the UAE Government any moment from now.
The Minister assured that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Government will lift the visa ban imposed on Nigerians soon.
Keyamo said this in a recent interview with the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu, Otega Ogra.
The Minister, in the interview, published on the official YouTube page of the State House, said a resolution has been reached between Tinubu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the President’s working visit to the UAE in September 2023.
Keyamo pointed out that though the UAE initially listed additional processes to be met before the ban could be officially lifted, the Nigerian Government has since completed all these processes, paving the way for an imminent announcement from the UAE government.
“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.”
Keyamo added that he was aware of the specific date when the travel restriction would be lifted, but said it is up to the UAE Government to make the official announcement.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, in September 2023, had announced that the visa ban on Nigerian travellers to the UAE had been lifted with immediate effect.
Ngelale said the development was the product of engagement between Tinubu and the UAE President.
“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.”
However, the development was later debunked by the Government of the Arab nation which said the ban had not been lifted on Nigerians.
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