By Lucy Adautin
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has announced that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government plans to lift the visa ban on Nigerian travelers soon.
In a 44-minute interview with the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu, Otega Ogra, published on the official YouTube page of the State House of Nigeria, Keyamo revealed that an agreement was reached between President Tinubu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during Tinubu’s working visit to the UAE in September 2023.
Keyamo stated that although the UAE initially required additional processes before officially lifting the ban, the Nigerian government has completed all necessary steps. This paves the way for an imminent announcement from the UAE government.
“After that high-level meeting, Mr. President, credited to him, made things very easy for us all. We did our follow-ups as his ministers. We have done everything. We have resolved everything. Just wait for the announcement from the UAE government, and that announcement is imminent,” Keyamo stated.
Keyamo also mentioned that he is aware of the exact date when the travel restriction will be lifted, but he stressed that it is the UAE government’s prerogative to make the official announcement.
The removal of the ban is anticipated to facilitate smoother travel for Nigerian citizens to the UAE, thereby strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between the two nations.
