Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to hold discussions in the coming days to address visa-related difficulties faced by Nigerians traveling to the UAE.
The decision follows a diplomatic meeting between UAE Ambassador Salem Alshamsi and Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
For some time, Nigerians have struggled to obtain visas for tourism and business in the UAE. The Nigerian government has sought clarification on whether new visa policies have been introduced, as concerns have been raised by both citizens and government officials. Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted Nigeria’s long-standing diplomatic and economic ties with the UAE, emphasizing the large Nigerian community living and investing in the country.
Dubai remains a top destination for Nigerian travelers, with nearly one million Nigerians visiting in 2015 alone. These visits contributed significantly to the UAE’s economy, with over $1 billion spent on tourism, shopping, and other activities. Despite this, Nigeria’s economic relationship with the UAE has been largely one-sided, prompting calls for more balanced collaborations in trade, energy, and investment.
To strengthen these ties, Nigeria will host a joint commission meeting, following a similar session held by the UAE in 2022. The meeting will focus on bilateral agreements in key sectors such as power and renewable energy. Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed optimism that outstanding agreements would be finalized to enhance cooperation between both nations.
The UAE Ambassador assured Nigeria of his commitment to resolving visa issues. He stated that since his arrival in Nigeria, he had personally overseen the issuance of over 700 tourism visas and had ensured a smooth process for both government officials and private individuals. He also emphasized that UAE visa policies had not changed significantly and that efforts were underway to increase approvals.
Alshamsi acknowledged occasional diplomatic disagreements but stressed that they were not personal and could be resolved. He reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria, with several agreements already signed and more expected before the Nigerian President’s planned visit to the UAE later this year.
Both nations now look forward to further discussions, aiming to ease travel restrictions and create better economic opportunities for Nigerians in the UAE.