The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is poised to lift the visa ban on Nigerian travellers, according to Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo.
During a 44-minute interview with Otega Ogra, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu, Keyamo revealed that a resolution was reached between President Tinubu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during Tinubu’s visit to the UAE in September 2023.
Keyamo explained that the UAE initially required additional procedures before officially lifting the ban, but the Nigerian government has now completed all necessary steps.
“After that high-level meeting, Mr. President 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,” he stated.
Although Keyamo is aware of the exact date when the travel restriction will be lifted, he emphasised that the official announcement will come from the UAE government.
The lifting of the ban is expected to restore ease of travel for Nigerian citizens to the UAE and strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.