Nigeria, UAE Close to Lifting Visa Ban, Presidency Says

Nigerian government officials and their counterparts in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are currently in the final stages of negotiating the removal of the visa ban imposed on Nigerians.

In a recent development, President Bola Tinubu held talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, where they discussed the prospects of lifting the ban.

The ban, which was instated by the UAE in October 2022 due to a diplomatic disagreement between the two nations, had a significant impact on numerous Nigerians who frequently travel to the UAE for various purposes, including business, tourism, and leisure.

It has been reported that the two leaders have reached a preliminary agreement, and their respective teams are now actively working on the finer details of the arrangement.

A statement released by the Nigerian presidency has indicated that the finalization of this agreement is on the horizon, with the added assurance that UAE flights to Nigeria will be promptly reinstated.

However, despite the said “immediate” agreement, the UAE has yet to make an official statement on the lifting of the visa ban on Nigerians.

The UAE’s silence on the issue has led to speculation that the ban may not have been lifted after all.

However, in an update on Tuesday, the Presidential spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale has said that the two countries are still working out the details of the agreement, and that an official announcement will be made soon.

He said, “Given the agreement struck between the two Heads of State, there is need to allow cabinet officials from both sides to work out the finer details and finalize the cross-sectoral agreements. Everyone can now allow the process to work itself out organically, devoid of speculation.”