President Bola Tinubu achieved a significant diplomatic breakthrough on Monday during his meeting with the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi. This historic encounter led to the prompt lifting of the visa ban previously imposed on Nigerian travelers.
According to Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu’s spokesperson, in an official statement, the bilateral agreement has paved the way for the swift resumption of flight operations by both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines to and from Nigeria, with no further delays anticipated.
“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’s economic development diplomacy drive and proposals today presented by President Tinubu to his counterpart, an agreed framework has been established, which 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, President 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, 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 important countries,” the statement said.
