The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced that the visa face-off between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been settled, paving the way for the resumption of visa issuance for Nigerians wanting to visit the UAE, particularly Dubai.
Keyamo made this announcement during a welcome dinner for delegates attending the International Air Transport Association 80th Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Dubai, UAE. He disclosed that the UAE government would soon lift the travel barrier that had prevented Nigerians from visiting the country.
The visa ban had been imposed by the UAE in connection with diplomatic disputes between the two countries. President Bola Tinubu had previously intervened in the matter in August 2023 to address issues related to visa issuance and the face-off with Emirates Airlines, which had halted flights into Nigeria.
At the AGM, Keyamo was accompanied into the hall by Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, amid applause from over 2000 delegates.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the event, Keyamo confirmed that the issues regarding visa denial by the UAE had been resolved. He mentioned that the announcement of the visa lift would be made in a couple of weeks, once the necessary processes had been finalized.
Keyamo emphasized the importance of maintaining cordial relationships with countries worldwide, especially with the UAE, which is considered a crucial partner for Nigeria. He expressed gratitude for the warm reception received during his visit to Dubai and highlighted the significance of reopening the route between Nigeria and the UAE, as well as simplifying the visa application process for Nigerians.
Overall, Keyamo’s statements reflect a positive development in the bilateral relations between Nigeria and the UAE, with the imminent resolution of the visa face-off expected to benefit both countries economically and diplomatically.
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