The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has lifted the visa ban previously imposed on travellers from Nigeria.
It has also ordered the resumption of flights to the West African country with no cost implications from the Tinubu administration.
A new forex regime is also in place to facilitate trade between the two countries.
The decision was reached after President Bola Tinubu met with Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE president, at Abu Dhabi, on Monday.
Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesperson, announced the decision, in a statement released on Monday.
Giving details of the meeting, Bola Ahmed Tinubu said:
Good evening Nigerians – Home and abroad,
Today, in unity with my friend, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan @HHShkMohd, 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.
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