Contrary to reports suggesting the lifting of the visa ban on Nigeria by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following discussions between President Bola Tinubu and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Federal Government has clarified that the ban remains in place.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, refuted the viral reports in an update on his social media page.
He stated that the UAE has not resumed issuing visas to Nigerians, emphasizing that the circulating document is not authorized by either the Nigerian government or the UAE.
In October 2022, the UAE implemented a visa ban on citizens from approximately 20 African nations, including Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Cameroon, Liberia, and Burundi.
The Federal Government’s clarification underscores the need for accurate information regarding the status of the visa ban, dispelling any misconceptions arising from unofficial sources.