Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola has lauded President Bola Tinubu for his shrewd diplomacy and strong leadership in successfully resolving the United Arab Emirates (UAE) visa ban on Nigerians.
On Monday, Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential spokesperson, announced that two major carriers, Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines, would promptly resume their flight schedules into and out of Nigeria. The announcement came after President Tinubu held crucial talks with Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, in Abu Dhabi.
The UAE and Nigeria have been embroiled in a diplomatic dispute since 2021, primarily revolving around issues concerning flight allocations and travel bans. The resolution of this longstanding issue is being hailed as a significant milestone for both nations.
Otedola, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s business landscape, expressed his admiration for President Tinubu’s diplomatic prowess and unwavering commitment to improving Nigeria’s international relations. In a statement, Otedola remarked, “We must all commend Mr. President for his shrewd diplomacy to finally resolve this matter. Only a leader who understands the importance of business would appreciate the enormous opportunities to be derived from restoring business relations between both countries.”
Highlighting the potential economic benefits of this development, Otedola emphasized how the visa ban reversal could positively impact Nigeria’s stock exchange.
He stated, “One of the understated benefits of this announcement is its potential ability to transform the stock exchange. Middle Eastern investors remain one of the most liquid across the globe, and it has been a shame that outside of a few investments in Dangote Cement and Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, Nigeria has not been able to attract capital from those regions.”
Otedola also underscored the transformative potential of President Tinubu’s economic diplomacy, which he hoped would attract foreign investments into Nigeria and enhance the country’s international reputation.
He called on Nigerians to unite in support of the administration’s efforts, stating, “Nigeria badly needs foreign exchange, and this move by the President will help improve forex inflows into the country. It is worthy of commendation.”
The billionaire businessman further lauded President Tinubu’s recent economic decisions, assuring Nigerians that the current hardships are temporary.
He expressed confidence that the administration’s policies would yield positive results in the near future, stating, “It must be pointed out that his bold policies since assuming office are the hallmark of a true leader who is not afraid or shy to take actions as long as such actions are in the national interest. Without a doubt, the current hardship will ease once these policies begin to bear fruits. I firmly believe the right measures are being taken, and we are headed in the right direction.”
In closing, Otedola expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future under President Tinubu’s leadership, proclaiming, “Asiwaju Tinubu is working, Nigeria will work. I advise my fellow countrymen and women to be patient. With Asiwaju’s policies, Nigeria will fully recover in a few years. We are witnessing the storm before the calm. Now, the storm is blowing away. I am certain, very soon, we’ll begin to experience the inevitable calm and the progress that will naturally follow in a very short while.”
The successful resolution of the UAE visa ban, coupled with Femi Otedola’s endorsement, reflects a positive turning point in Nigeria’s diplomatic relations and economic outlook. Nigerians are now looking forward to the potential benefits that this breakthrough will bring to the nation’s prosperity and international standing.
