By Latiifah Amusan
President Bola Tinubu is set to meet with the leadership of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) today at 5 pm UAE time, as efforts intensify to resolve the ongoing Emirates Airline flight suspension to Nigeria and the visa ban.
This crucial meeting aims to address long-standing diplomatic issues between the two nations.
The Nigerian Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Management, Festus Keyamo, confirmed that he traveled to the Middle-East country on Sunday night for this pivotal engagement.
President Tinubu, having a stopover in the UAE after exiting the G20 summit in India, is expected to lead the Nigerian delegation in these negotiations.
Keyamo expressed the importance of this meeting, stating, “I am in Abu Dhabi to join Mr. President to sort out the twin issues of Dubai visas and Emirates flights to Nigeria. Both leaders are meeting by 5 pm today.”
The root of the tensions dates back to October 2022 when the UAE imposed a visa ban on Nigerians.
Emirates Airlines subsequently suspended its flights to Nigeria, while Nigerian carrier Air Peace also suspended its Dubai operations in response to the UAE’s visa issuance halt.
President Tinubu’s recent directive, issued during his meeting with Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, underscored the urgency of resolving these issues.
He emphasized the familial ties between the two nations, stating, “We are a family in the UAE, we only live in separate rooms, but we are in the same house. We should look at the issues as a family problem and resolve it amicably.”
Furthermore, Tinubu emphasized the need to work together and agree on core aviation and immigration matters.
This high-level meeting aims to address these issues comprehensively and seeks a harmonious resolution.
The Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, announced this meeting on Sunday, underscoring the Nigerian government’s commitment to resolving the diplomatic challenges with the UAE.
