In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has lifted its visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens with immediate effect
This development was announced on Monday by Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, following a Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
According to Minister Idris, the Nigerian government and UAE authorities have reached an agreement that vacates all travel restrictions previously imposed on Nigerians. “Effective from today, Nigerian passport holders intending to travel to the UAE are able to do so,” Idris stated during a briefing with State House correspondents.
The minister advised that Nigerians seeking updated information on UAE visa conditions can visit documentverificationhub.ae for further details.
This resolution comes after nearly two years of diplomatic tensions between the two nations. The UAE had imposed a visa ban on Nigeria due to various disputes, including issues related to airline revenue repatriation.
Dubai’s Emirates Airline had suspended flights to Nigeria over an estimated $85 million in trapped revenue held by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
In June, following several high-level meetings, the Nigerian government had assured its citizens that the visa ban would soon be lifted. During the same month, Nigeria announced that it had paid 98 percent of the $850 million owed to foreign airlines, addressing one of the key points of contention.
This latest development marks a significant step in restoring normal diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and the UAE. It is expected to facilitate easier travel for business, tourism, and other purposes between the two countries.
The Nigerian government has promised to provide more details on the agreement in an upcoming statement, signaling a new chapter in Nigeria-UAE relations.
