The United Arab Emirates has denied claims made by the Nigerian government that a one-year visa ban on Nigerian travellers will be lifted.
There have been no changes to the status of travel between Nigeria and the UAE, a representative from the Gulf state informed CNN. The individual requested anonymity since he does not have permission to speak to the media.
In a meeting earlier this week in Abu Dhabi, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, “finalised a historic agreement,” according to a statement issued by the Nigerian government.
The deal, according to the administration, cleared the way for the easing of the visa ban and the immediate restart of flights between the two nations.
Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines must immediately begin their flight schedules into and out of Nigeria, without further delay, according to a statement from Nigeria’s presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale. “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,” the statement added.
However, a statement released by the UAE government later on Monday noted that both leaders had “explored opportunities for further bilateral collaboration” during their conversation with a view to “reinforcing ties between the UAE and Nigeria,” but did not mention the lifting of the visa block or the reopening of flights.
Following up on his first announcement, Ngelale, a spokesman for the Nigerian government, claimed that additional time was required for the two nations’ officials to finalise the agreement’s specifics.
Given the agreement reached between the two Heads of State, he said, “Everyone can now allow the process to work itself out organically, devoid of speculation.” He added that “the cross-sectoral agreements” needed to be finalised.
