The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has lifted its visa restrictions on Nigerian travelers, as confirmed by Minister of Information Mohammed Idris on Monday after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
In October 2022, the UAE imposed a ban on citizens from about 20 African countries, including Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, and others. This move triggered a diplomatic dispute between the UAE and Nigeria, impacting flight operations and visa issuances.
Read Also: Minimum wage: FG Plans amendment to 2024 Budget โ FEC
President Bola Tinubu intervened in August 2023 to mediate the conflict, which included issues with Emirates Airlines suspending flights to Nigeria. By June 2024, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo announced that the dispute had been resolved.
Following this resolution, the UAE has now rescinded the visa restrictions, marking a significant step towards normalizing relations between the two countries.