Contrary to reports based on statement by the Nigerian presidency, the official news agency of the United Arab Emirates, Emirates News Agency, was silent on the reported lifting of the visa ban and flight restrictions on Nigerians and Nigeria after the meeting between the President of the UAE, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria on Monday.
President Tinubu on Monday had a stop over in the UAE on his way back to Nigeria from the United States of America after attending the G-20 meeting in New Delhi, India.
He was in the USA for the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
President Tinubu, after the meeting with President Al Nahyan, announced the thawing of the frosty relationship between Nigeria and the UAE, which led to the visa ban and stoppage of flights to Nigeria by the countries two airlines: Etihad Airways and Emirates Airlines.
But in reporting the outcome of the meeting, which had generated excitement among Nigerians, Emirates News Agency did not mention the lifting of the visa ban and flight restrictions.
According to the state media outfit, “President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today, (Monday ) met with Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who is on a working visit to the UAE.
“During the meeting, which took place at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed renewed his congratulations to Tinubu on assuming the presidency earlier this year, and wished him every success in leading Nigeria and its people to further progress and prosperity.
“His Highness expressed his hope that the two leaders will work together to reinforce ties between the UAE and Nigeria for the benefit of both countries.
“The UAE President and Nigerian President explored opportunities for further bilateral collaboration in areas that serve both countries’ sustainable economic growth, including the economic, development, energy, and climate action fields.
“The two sides also exchanged views on a number of regional and international developments of interest.
“The meeting discussed the upcoming COP28 climate conference set to take place in the UAE later this year, with both parties stressing the vital importance of encouraging and enabling international cooperation to tackle global issues, including climate change.
“His Highness underscored the UAE’s ongoing commitment to fostering ties with countries that share the same aspirations for stability, sustainable growth, and development and prosperity for their people. He further emphasised the particular importance the UAE attaches to its relationship with Nigeria, within the framework of its strategic vision for relations with the African continent.
“The President of Nigeria expressed his pleasure to be visiting the UAE and affirmed his country’s keenness to further enhance bilateral cooperation to support sustainable development and progress in both countries.
“The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Court; Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President; Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy; and Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
“The meeting was also attended by the delegation accompanying the Nigerian President, which included a number of ministers and high-ranking officials.
“But presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale said the meeting resolved the lingering issues on Visa Ban on Nigerians and resumption of flights by Emirates and Etihad airways to Nigeria. Even President Tinubu was upbeat about the meeting. Taking to his X platform, Tinubu said tweeted on Monday evening:
“Good evening Nigerians – Home and abroad,
“Today, in unity with my friend, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
@MohamedBinZayed, we have initiated a new era of collaboration and friendship between our nations – Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.
“We’ve also laid a robust foundation for substantial investments in various sectors in Nigeria, a testament to our shared vision for a prosperous future.
“Together, we are committed to building bridges and fostering a friendship that stands the test of time. As part of our discussions, the following have been reached:
“1. Immediate lifting of the visa ban placed on Nigerian travelers by the UAE.
“2. Resumption of flight schedules into and out of Nigeria by Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines, without any immediate payment required from the Nigerian government.
“3. An agreed framework for new investments worth several billions of U.S. dollars into the Nigerian economy by the UAE government, covering multiple sectors including defense and agriculture.
“4. A joint, new foreign exchange liquidity programme between Nigeria and the UAE, details of which will be announced in the coming weeks.
“5. A commitment to normalize and enhance the relations between the two countries, fostered by the collaboration between myself and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.”
