The Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reached an agreement enabling Nigerian passport holders to obtain visas and travel to the UAE.
This development marks the end of a visa restriction imposed by the UAE on Nigerian citizens since October 2022.
The announcement was made by Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at the Presidential Villa on Monday.
Idris confirmed that the agreement, effective from July 15, 2024, is the result of protracted negotiations between the two nations.
This agreement also paves the way for the resumption of Emirates Airlines flights between Lagos and Dubai.
“The minister said, “Following successful talks and extensive, mutually beneficial negotiations between the Government of the United Arab Emirates and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria an agreement was reached allowing for the resumption of travel to the UAE for Nigerian passport holders.
“This agreement includes updated controls and conditions to facilitate obtaining a UAE visa. The resumption of visas will be effective from July 15, 2024.
“Nigerians wishing to learn more about the updated visa conditions from the UAE can visit http://documentverificationhub.ae for any additional information.”
The airline, which suspended operations in November 2022 due to unresolved issues, including repatriation of funds, is set to resume its Lagos-Dubai flights on October 1, 2024.
The diplomatic row between Nigeria and the UAE, which included restrictions on flights and visa issuance had significant implications for Nigerian travellers, migrants, and tourists, given the UAE’s popularity as a destination.
Efforts to resolve the dispute included a high-profile meeting in September 2023 between President Bola Tinubu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi.
This meeting was instrumental in smoothing over diplomatic tensions and finalizing the agreement announced today.
