New Dawn for Nigeria-UAE Relations as Visa Ban Lifted
A significant diplomatic milestone has transpired in the recent interactions between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), heralding a fresh era of potential expansion and collaboration between these two nations. Following an extended period of tension, the UAE has, at last, rescinded a contentious visa ban that previously affected Nigerians wishing to visit the country. Additionally, Nigeria’s flagship airline, Air Peace, has reinstated non-stop flights from Lagos to Dubai, thereby reinstating a crucial air connection between Africa’s most densely populated nation and the foremost center of commerce and travel in the Gulf region.
Trouble first flared up in March 2022 when Emirates Airline unexpectedly announced it would suspend all flights to and from Nigeria. The UAE government soon after made the bombshell decision to cease issuing new visas to Nigerians, disrupting businesses, families, and education aspirations. Analysts cited security concerns, like Nigerian cybercrime syndicates operating in Dubai, as the reason behind the UAE’s harsh stance. Now after healing some rifts through diplomatic channels, Nigerian officials persuaded the UAE to relax entry restrictions.
Experts predict securing more student visas will be a top priority, as tens of thousands of Nigerians pursue higher education in UAE academic centers. The restoration of Air Peace’s Lagos-Dubai route also comes as a relief, given the importance of Dubai International Airport as the leading hub connecting Nigeria with major destinations. Etihad and Emirates Airlines are to resume flight operations to Nigeria with immediate effect.
“Now Nigerian companies and investors in sectors like real estate, banking, and oil services can continue growing their operations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi,” explained economist Adewale Adeyemo. “It’s a win-win for all parties involved.”
With visa bans lifted and planes taking to the skies again, the future looks brighter for strengthening UAE-Nigeria solidarity. Through open hands and open hearts, their intertwined fates and fortunes will keep rising together.
Following discussions between President Bola Tinubu and his Emirati counterpart, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a significant decision has been reached. On Monday in Abu Dhabi, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates finalized a historic agreement. As a result of this agreement, the previously imposed visa ban on Nigerian travelers has been immediately lifted.
In addition to the visa ban removal, this historic agreement also includes the prompt resumption of flight schedules for both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines to and from Nigeria, without any further delays. This exciting development was announced by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement he issued on Monday.
