By Kamsi Anayo
The government of United Arab Emirates (UAE), has officially lifted the visa ban slammed on Nigerian travellers.
The ban which came into effect last year under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, was lifted after President Bola Tinubu and President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met on Monday.
Mr Ajuri Ngelale, the spokesman of the president, confirmed the suspension of the ban in a statement.
Ngelale also disclosed that both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines are to immediately resume flight schedules into and out of Nigeria, without any further delay.
He said, “President Bola Tinubu and President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed 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 schedules 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 Tinubu’s economic development diplomacy drive and proposals he today presented to his counterpart, an agreed framework has been established.
“This will involve several billions of U.S. dollars worth of new investments into the Nigerian economy across multiple sectors, including defense, agriculture and others, by the investment arms of the Government of the United Arab Emirates.
“Additionally, Tinubu is pleased to have successfully negotiated a joint, new foreign exchange liquidity programme between the two Governments, which will be announced in detail in the coming weeks.
“In conclusion, Tinubu 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 important countries.”