UAE Lifts Visa Ban on Nigerian Travelers After Presidential Meeting

In a significant diplomatic development, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially lifted its visa ban on Nigerian travellers.

This pivotal decision was reached following a crucial meeting between President Bola Tinubu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi.

Presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale conveyed this momentous announcement through a statement released on Monday, marking a positive turn of events in the diplomatic relations between the two nations.

In addition to the historic visa agreement, Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines are set to promptly resume their flight schedules to and from Nigeria, eliminating any further delays. Importantly, as per the negotiation between the Heads of State, the immediate resumption of flight operations between Nigeria and the UAE via these airlines will not entail any immediate payment by the Nigerian government.

This development comes after the UAE imposed a visa ban on Nigerians in October 2022, following the suspension of flights to Nigeria by Emirates Airlines. The ban was reportedly a response to Nigeria’s challenges in repatriating funds trapped in the UAE.

Earlier this year, former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari had appealed to his UAE counterpart, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to lift the visa ban on Nigerians. This recent positive outcome signifies a significant step forward in the bilateral relations between the two nations and a hopeful sign for travellers between Nigeria and the UAE.