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Emirates to resume flights to Nigeria as UAE lifts visa ban on Nigerians

Both Nigeria and UAE were locked in diplomatic confrontations earlier this month.

• September 30, 2020
Fly Emirate plane used to illustrate the story. [PHOTO CREDIT: Emirate Web Page]
Fly Emirate plane used to illustrate the story. [PHOTO CREDIT: Emirate Web Page]

Nigeria has agreed to allow Emirates flights into the country, after the UAE backed down on a visa ban against Nigerians.

Aviation minister Hadi Sirika said on Wednesday afternoon that the visa issuance is conditional, urging Nigerians to bear with the situation in the meantime.

“UAE has written to state that they agree to issue visas to Nigerians, consequently a decision has been reached to allow Emirates to fly into Nigeria,” Mr. Sirika said on Twitter Wednesday afternoon.

“Commencement of the Visa issuance is condition precedent. Please bear with this unusual situation.”

Emirati authorities weeks ago imposed visa restrictions against Nigerians amidst a crackdown on fraudulent activities in Dubai, Abu-Dhabi and other major cities there.

Nigeria said the action was punitive and unfriendly, prompting the aviation office retaliate by grounding Emirates Airlines operations.

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