In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially lifted the visa ban imposed on Nigerian travelers, signaling a new era of cooperation and friendship between the two nations.
The announcement comes following a crucial meeting between Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the capital city of Abu Dhabi.
One of the key outcomes of this historic meeting was the immediate resumption of flight schedules for both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines to and from Nigeria. This decision was met with enthusiasm on both sides, underscoring the commitment to strengthening economic and diplomatic ties.
The news of these agreements was relayed to the public through a statement issued by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Publicity. The statement outlined the details of the discussions and the mutual benefits expected from this newfound partnership.
According to the statement, “In accordance with the negotiations between the two Heads of State, the immediate restoration of flight activity through these two airlines and between the two countries does not involve any immediate payment to the Nigerian government.”
The statement continued, “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.”
The announcement also revealed another milestone in the diplomatic discussions. “Additionally, President Tinubu is pleased to have successfully negotiated a joint, new foreign exchange liquidity program between the two Governments, which will be announced in detail in the coming weeks,” the statement added.
President Tinubu expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the UAE President’s unwavering friendship and commitment to enhancing the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and the UAE. “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,” The statement concluded.
This landmark development is expected to have far-reaching implications, fostering economic growth, trade, and people-to-people connections between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates, ushering in a new chapter of cooperation and mutual prosperity.
