The Federal Government has clarified that the visa ban imposed on Nigeria by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains in effect, despite reports suggesting otherwise.
This clarification follows news indicating that the Emirati authorities had lifted the visa restriction on Nigerian travelers after discussions between President Bola Tinubu and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
In October 2022, the UAE had implemented a ban on citizens from approximately 20 African nations, including Nigeria, from entering its borders.
Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, refuted the circulating reports in an update on his social media page, stating, “UAE has not resumed visa issuance to Nigerians. The document in circulation is not authorized either by the Nigerian government or the UAE.”
The visa ban affects several countries, including Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Cameroon, Liberia, Burundi, Republic of Guinea, Gambia, Togo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, Benin, Ivory Coast, Congo, Rwanda, Burkina Faso, Guinea Bissau, Comoros, and the Dominican Republic.