UAE Not Lifting General Visa Ban On Nigerians Despite Tinubu’s Claim After Abu Dhabi Meeting.

By Olusiji Balogun

The United Arab Emirate has debunked a statement made by the Nigerian government, that it has lifted the visa ban imposed on Nigerian travelers.

A CNN source who cited an unnamed official from the Gulf on Friday said, the visa ban imposed on Nigerians in October,2022 still stands.

The UAE government banned Nigeria and 19 other African countries. it however did not give further information.

“There are no changes on the Nigeria/UAE travel status so far” the CNN source stated.

Earlier, Ajuri Ngelale, Presidential Spokesman in a statement claimed that UAE had lifted its visa ban on Nigerians. According to Ngelale, the decision was reached after President Bola Tinibu met with Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

But hours later on Monday, the UAE government issued a statement in which it stated both leaders had “explored opportunities for further bilateral collaboration” during their meeting with a view to “reinforcing ties between UAE and Nigeria” but it made no mention of lifting visa ban or resumption of flights as claimed by Nigerian authorities.

Responding to the UAE disclaimer.  Mr Ajuri said “given the agreement struck between  the two Heads of State, there is need to allow cabinet officials from both sides to work out finer details and finalise the cross-sectoral agreements. Everyone can now allow the process to work itself out originally, devoid of speculation”,

Travelers and Travel Agents who celebrated the earlier announcement of lifting embargo on visa for Nigerians were embarrassed and shocked by the reality of the new twist.