President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has achieved a remarkable diplomatic feat by reaching a landmark agreement with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during his visit to Abu Dhabi.
The agreement has led to the immediate lifting of the visa ban imposed on Nigerian travellers by the UAE government.
This was revealed by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, in a press release on Monday.
He stated that the agreement was a result of the cordial and fruitful discussions between the two leaders, who share a vision of mutual cooperation and development.
According to Ngelale, the agreement also entails the resumption of flight operations by Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines between Nigeria and the UAE without any further delay.
He added that this does not require any immediate payment by the Nigerian government, as President Tinubu has successfully negotiated a favourable framework for bilateral cooperation.
Ngelale further disclosed that the agreement will open up new opportunities for investment in various sectors of the Nigerian economy, such as defence, agriculture, and others, by the UAE government’s investment arms. He said that these investments will amount to several billions of U.S. dollars and will create jobs and wealth for Nigerians.
Additionally, Ngelale announced that President Tinubu has also secured a joint foreign exchange liquidity programme with the UAE government, which will be unveiled in detail in the coming weeks. He said that this programme will enhance the stability and strength of the Nigerian currency and boost trade and commerce between the two countries.
Ngelale concluded by commending the UAE President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his genuine friendship and his determination to partner with President Tinubu to fully normalise and reset the relations between the two important countries to excellence.
Newsflash Nigeria reports that Tinubu made a brief stopover in the UAE after attending the G-20 Summit in India.
