The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially lifted the visa ban imposed on Nigerian travelers, marking the end of almost a year of strained relations.
This pivotal development emerged following a historic agreement reached between Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and UAE’s President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The announcement, made by the Special Adviser to the Nigerian President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, has been hailed as a testament to the power of diplomatic dialogue and cooperation between nations.
Under the terms of this groundbreaking accord, both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines will swiftly resume their flight schedules to and from Nigeria. Importantly, this renewal of flight operations comes with no immediate financial burden on the Nigerian government.
A key aspect of this agreement lies in its economic implications. President Tinubu’s visionary economic development diplomacy played a pivotal role in forging this pact.
The deal opens the door to several billion U.S. dollars’ worth of fresh investments in Nigeria’s diverse sectors, including defense, agriculture, and more, by UAE’s government investment arms.
Furthermore, President Tinubu successfully negotiated a new joint foreign exchange liquidity program between the two nations, a move expected to be unveiled in detail in the coming weeks.
This diplomatic achievement is a testament to the dedication and determination of both leaders to normalize and enhance the quality of relations between the UAE and Nigeria.
President Tinubu expressed his deep appreciation to President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his unwavering friendship and commitment to jointly steer their countries towards a brighter future.
The UAE’s decision to impose a visa ban on nationals from several African countries, including Nigeria, in October of the previous year, had cast a shadow over their bilateral ties.
However, this recent breakthrough signifies a new dawn in their relationship, fostering stronger economic, cultural, and political collaboration.
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Bisina Somto is an entertainment journalist known for her compelling movie, music, and Reality TV show reviews.
Her insightful analyses and nuanced viewpoints captivate readers, demonstrating her prowess in covering various aspects of the entertainment realm.
