Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo State
In a significant milestone for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Emirates, the flagship airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has resumed ticket bookings for Nigerian passengers ahead of its flight operations resumption on October 1, 2024. This follows a two-year suspension of services and visa issuance to Nigerians, marking a remarkable achievement in the administration’s efforts to restore and strengthen international relations.
Truth Live News gathered that the resumption of Emirates flights comes on the heels of extensive negotiations by the Federal Government, which not only resolved the repatriation of over $85 million in funds but also addressed the visa ban imposed by the UAE. This breakthrough underscores the progress made in improving Nigeria’s financial processes and the enhanced conduct of Nigerians residing in the UAE.
As a further testament to these achievements, the Dubai Visa Processing Centre (DVPC) has reopened, now accepting visa applications from Nigerians. The lifting of the visa ban has been widely seen as a reflection of the administration’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerian citizens are treated fairly abroad. Additionally, a two-month visa amnesty, starting from September 1, 2024, allows Nigerians who have overstayed or lack proper documentation in the UAE to regularize their status or return home without penalties.
This reopening not only represents the renewal of travel ties between Nigeria and the UAE but also highlights the positive strides made under President Tinubu’s leadership in enhancing Nigeria’s international standing and the financial prudence of its citizens abroad.