The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday has lifted its visa ban imposed on Nigerian travellers with immediate effect.
The decision was reached after President Bola Tinubu met with Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE president, at Abu Dhabi, on Monday.
Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesperson, announced the decision, in a statement released on Monday.
The ban, which was imposed 10 months ago under former president Muhammadu Buhari had affected activities of Nigerians who were regular visitors to the Middle East country for businesses, tourism and leisure.
Recall that Tinubu had proceeded to Abu Dahbi, UAE capital, from India, where he attended the G-20 Summit.
In a statement issued on Monday, Tinubu said the meeting with the UAE authorities was fruitful.
The statement reads: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Monday in Abu Dhabi, have finalized a historic agreement, which has resulted in the immediate cessation of the visa ban placed on Nigerian travelers.”
“Furthermore, by this historic agreement, both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines are to immediately resume flight schedules into and out of Nigeria, without any further delay.
“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.
“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.
“Additionally, President Tinubu is pleased to have successfully negotiated a joint, new foreign exchange liquidity programme between the two Governments, which will be announced in detail in the coming weeks.
“In conclusion, 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.
Below is the list of agreement reached between UAE and Nigeria at the meeting.
1. Immediate lifting of the visa ban placed on Nigerian travelers by the UAE.
2. Resumption of flight schedules into and out of Nigeria by Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines, without any immediate payment required from the Nigerian government.
3. An agreed framework for new investments worth several billions of U.S. dollars into the Nigerian economy by the UAE government, covering multiple sectors including defense and agriculture.
4. A new joint foreign exchange liquidity programme between Nigeria and the UAE, details of which will be announced in the coming weeks.
5. A commitment to normalize and enhance the relations between the two countries, fostered by the collaboration between myself and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
