Contradicting earlier reports, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has disclosed that it has yet to lift the Nigeria Visa restrictions it imposed on the country in October 2022.
Reports had purported that following a meeting in Abu Dhabi this week between President Bola Tinubu and United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE visa ban on Nigeria was lifted.
The visa prohibition was reversed, according to Ajuri Ngelale, a spokesperson for the Nigerian president, after billion-dollar investment agreements were reached in a number of industries, including agricultural and defense. In contrast to reports made by the Nigerian government, a Gulf official recently asserted that there have been no changes to the status of travel between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE government said in a statement that both leaders “explored opportunities for further bilateral collaboration” during their meeting with a view to “reinforcing ties between the UAE and Nigeria,” but they made no mention of the removal of the visa embargo or the resumption of flights.
In a later statement, Nigerian government spokesman Ngelale contradicted himself and indicated that more time was needed for authorities from both nations to finish the terms of the deal.
“Given the agreement struck between the two Heads of State, there is a need to allow cabinet officials from both sides to work out the finer details and finalize the cross-sectoral agreements,” he said, adding that “Everyone can now allow the process to work itself out organically, devoid of speculation.”
Nigeria’s economy is projected to grow as a result of recent bilateral agreements and improved relations between the two nations. This will happen as interest in investing in certain Nigerian industries grows. That would clearly benefit Nigeria.
