The United Arab Emirate (UAE) has lifted the visa ban on Nigerian travellers imposed in 2022.

This was sequel to an agreement reached between President Bola Tinubu and President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Monday.

A statement by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Monday, said by this historic agreement, both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines were to immediately resume flight schedules into and out of Nigeria.

He said the negotiation between the two heads of state which led to the restoration of flight activities did not involve any immediate payment by the Nigerian government.

“In recognition of President Tinubu’s economic development diplomacy drive and proposals today presented by President Tinubu to his counterpart, an agreed framework has been established, which will involve several billions of U.S. dollars’ worth of new investments into the Nigerian economy across multiple sectors, including defense, agriculture and others, by the investment arms of the Government of the United Arab Emirates.

“Additionally, President Tinubu is pleased to have successfully negotiated a joint, new foreign exchange liquidity programme between the two governments which will be announced in detail in the coming weeks.”

Tinubu commended the UAE President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his unalloyed friendship and his determination to join hands with him to fully normalise and reset to excellence, the standard of relations between the two important countries.