The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that Nigerian passport holders are now eligible to obtain visas for travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) effective immediately. Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, revealed this pivotal development following the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting held today.
This announcement marks the end of a more than two-year suspension imposed by the UAE on visa issuance to Nigerians amidst a diplomatic impasse. The tensions had also led to disruptions in air travel, particularly affecting Emirates Airlines’ operations between Lagos and Dubai.
Emirates Airlines recently announced its decision to resume daily flights between Lagos and Dubai from October 1, 2024, following a hiatus due to financial disputes linked to the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between both nations.
The history of strained relations between Nigeria and the UAE has been marked by various challenges, including visa restrictions that severely affected Nigerians seeking opportunities in the Emirates. However, efforts towards reconciliation gained momentum after President Bola Tinubu’s diplomatic engagements with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in September 2023, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
Minister Idris underscored the significance of this latest development, highlighting its potential to facilitate increased trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between Nigeria and the UAE. He emphasized that the resumption of visa issuance reflects a mutual commitment to fostering closer ties and resolving past disagreements.
As Nigerians now prepare to once again access UAE visas, further details on application procedures and related updates are expected to follow. This development is poised to provide relief and opportunities for Nigerians eager to explore business, educational, and tourism prospects in the UAE.
