In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has announced that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is poised to lift its visa ban on Nigerian travelers shortly. This development marks a positive turn in the bilateral relations between the two nations, following a period of restricted travel that had impacted numerous Nigerian citizens and businesses.
The announcement came during a comprehensive 44-minute interview with Otega Ogra, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu, on the State House YouTube channel. Keyamo detailed the steps that led to this resolution, highlighting the high-level negotiations and the strategic diplomacy spearheaded by President Tinubu.
Keyamo recounted the pivotal meeting that took place in September 2023, during President Tinubu’s official visit to the UAE. In discussions with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, both leaders addressed the complexities surrounding the visa ban and worked towards a mutually beneficial solution. “After that high-level meeting, Mr. President, credited to him, made things very easy for us all. We did our follow-ups as his ministers. We have done everything. We have resolved everything. Just wait for the announcement from the UAE government, and that announcement is imminent,” Keyamo stated.
The UAE had initially imposed the visa ban citing several administrative concerns and additional processes that needed to be addressed by the Nigerian government. According to Keyamo, these processes have now been fully completed, ensuring that all prerequisites set by the UAE are met. This diligent follow-up and compliance have paved the way for the anticipated lifting of the ban.
“Following the directives from President Tinubu, our team has worked tirelessly to meet all the requirements laid out by the UAE. This collaborative effort underscores our commitment to restoring seamless travel for Nigerians and strengthening our international partnerships,” Keyamo added.
Although Keyamo is privy to the specific date when the visa ban will be officially lifted, he stressed that the announcement’s timing rests with the UAE government. “We are aware of the exact date, but it is ultimately up to the UAE authorities to make the official declaration. Rest assured, this positive change is on the horizon,” he noted.
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