President Bola Tinubu and President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Monday in Abu Dhabi, have finalized a historic agreement, which has resulted in the immediate cessation of the visa ban placed on Nigerian travelers.
Furthermore, by this historic agreement, both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines are to immediately resume flight schedule into and out of Nigeria, without any further delay.
As negotiated between the two Heads of State, this immediate restoration of flight activity through these two airlines and between the two countries, does not involve any immediate payment by the Nigerian Government.
In recognition of President Tinubu is pleased to have successfully negotiated a joint, new foreign exchange liquidity programmed between two Governments, which will be announced in detail in the coming weeks.
President Tinubu made this statement via his official X account on Monday, September 11.
- According to him, “Today, in unity with my friend, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, we have initiated a new era of collaboration and friendship between our nations – Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.
- “We have also laid a robust foundation for substantial investments in various sectors in Nigeria, a testament to our shared vision for a prosperous future.
- “Together, we are committed to building bridges and fostering a friendship that stands the test of time. As part of our discussions, the following have been reached:
1. Immediate lifting of the visa ban placed on Nigerian travelers by the UAE.
2. Resumption of flight schedules into and out of Nigeria by Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines, without any immediate payment required from the Nigerian government.
3. An agreed framework for new investments worth several billions of U.S. dollars into the Nigerian economy by the UAE government, covering multiple sectors including defence and agriculture.
4. A new joint foreign exchange liquidity programme between Nigeria and the UAE, details of which will be announced in the coming weeks.
5. A commitment to normalize and enhance the relations between the two countries, fostered by the collaboration between myself and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.”
In conclusion, the President wishes to commend the UAE President, Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his unalloyed friendship and his determined effort to join hands with him to fully normalize and reset to excellence, the standard of relations between the two countries.
