UAE Lifts Visa Ban on Nigerians Following Diplomatic Talks with President Tinubu

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has decided to lift the visa ban previously imposed on Nigerian travelers.

This decision came following a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

According to the presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines will resume their flight schedules to and from Nigeria without any further delay.

Notably, this restoration of flight operations, as agreed by both leaders, does not require immediate payment from the Nigerian government.

In recognition of President Tinubu’s diplomatic efforts for economic development, an agreed framework has been established.

This framework involves significant investments, amounting to billions of U.S. dollars, in various sectors of the Nigerian economy by the investment arms of the United Arab Emirates government, including defense and agriculture.

This development marks the end of a diplomatic dispute that began in 2021, primarily revolving around flight allocations and travel bans.

In December 2021, the UAE had banned Nigerian passengers from entering the country, citing concerns about rising COVID-19 cases.

Prior to the ban, the UAE had granted limited flight slots to Nigerian airlines. In response to the UAE’s actions, the Nigerian government reduced the number of slots allocated to Emirati airlines, resulting in the suspension of all flights by the Dubai-based carrier.

In October 2022, the UAE imposed a visa ban on Nigerians during the course of this diplomatic disagreement.