The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has contradicted recent claims made by the Nigerian government regarding the lifting of a year-long visa ban on Nigerian travelers.
A UAE official, speaking anonymously to CNN, stated that there have been no changes in the travel status between Nigeria and the UAE.
UAE visa ban on Nigeria and 19 African nations
Last year, the UAE announced a visa ban for citizens of Nigeria and 19 other African nations without providing specific reasons.
This ban disrupted the process of obtaining a 30-day tourist visa, which had been relatively straightforward until then.
Flight operations between the two countries were also suspended due to issues related to withheld funds.
While Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s recent meeting with UAE leader Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was initially reported to have resulted in a historic agreement that would lift the visa ban and resume flights, a subsequent UAE government statement did not confirm these claims and instead emphasized bilateral collaboration and strengthening ties between the two nations.