- His response to criticism from Osita Chidoka, former Minister of Aviation
The federal government has announced that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) visa ban on Nigerians has been resolved.
Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, revealed this on Wednesday in response to criticism from Osita Chidoka, former Minister of Aviation.
Keyamo stated that an official announcement is imminent.
On May 22, Chidoka criticized the federal government for allowing Emirates Airlines to resume operations in Nigeria without holding the airline accountable for its previous disrespectful and demeaning conduct.
The former minister said the “audacity” of the airline to return to Nigeria “reeks the contempt and disdain towards our nation”.
However, Keyamo said resolving the diplomatic rift between the two countries is important because several Nigerians visit the UAE and invest there.
He said the federal government must not allow Emirates Airlines to resume operations in Nigeria without being held accountable for their “disrespectful and demeaning conduct”.
The former minister said the “audacity” of the airline to return to Nigeria “reeks the contempt and disdain towards our nation”.
Keyamo highlighted the importance of resolving the diplomatic rift between Nigeria and the UAE, as many Nigerians travel to and invest in the UAE.
The dispute, starting in 2021 over flight allocations and travel bans, saw the UAE imposing restrictions on Nigerian travelers on December 13, 2021, citing COVID-19 concerns.
Despite announcements, clarity was needed, as unauthorized documents claimed the lifting of restrictions. On September 11, the Nigerian government announced the lifting of the UAE’s visa ban on Nigerian travelers.
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