By Nengi GREEN
The lingering visa issue between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirate, UAE, may have been resolved as both countries have reached an agreement to address the visa ban on Nigerians.
The Abuja Inquirer learnt on Monday that President Bola Tinubu and President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, have finalized a historic agreement, which has resulted in the immediate cessation of the visa ban placed on Nigerian travelers.
Special Adviser to the President, Media & Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement said that by the agreement, Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines are to immediately resume flight schedules into and out of Nigeria, without any further delay.
“As negotiated between the two Heads of State, this immediate restoration of flight activity, through these two airlines and between the two countries, does not involve any immediate payment by the Nigerian government,” Neglale stated.
According to him, “in recognition of President Tinubu’s economic development diplomacy drive and proposals today presented by President Tinubu to his counterpart, an agreed framework has been established, which will involve several billions of U.S. dollars worth of new investments into the Nigerian economy across multiple sectors, including defense, agriculture and others, by the investment arms of the Government of the United Arab Emirates.
“Additionally, President Tinubu is pleased to have successfully negotiated a joint, new foreign exchange liquidity programme between the two governments, which will be announced in detail in the coming weeks.”
