The United Arab Emirates has officially lifted visa restrictions for Nigerians with immediate effect, announced Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation. This development comes following negotiations between the Federal Government and UAE authorities, culminating in an agreement to remove travel barriers for Nigerian passport holders.
Idris confirmed the breakthrough to State House correspondents after a Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu on Monday. He stated, “I can tell you that the agreement has been reached and effective from today, Nigerian passport holders intending to travel to the UAE are able to do so.”
The minister highlighted that discussions between Nigeria and the UAE had centered on visa issues for Nigerian travelers, and now, as of July 15th, Nigerian passport holders can obtain visas for travel to the UAE without any impediments. Further details on the agreement will be communicated later through an official statement.
Previously, the UAE had imposed visa restrictions on Nigeria amid diplomatic tensions, exacerbated by issues such as the suspension of Emirates airline flights to Nigeria over financial disputes involving the Central Bank of Nigeria. However, following extensive diplomatic engagements, the Federal Government assured Nigerians in June that the visa ban would be lifted soon.
Additionally, progress was made on resolving financial disputes, with Nigeria reporting the payment of 98% of the $850 million owed to the UAE. This latest development marks a significant step towards normalizing travel relations between the two nations.
Details on the lifting of visa restrictions and related matters will be disclosed in subsequent updates.
