President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has brokered a significant agreement with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking the dawn of a new era of cooperation and friendship between the two nations. President Tinubu expressed his enthusiasm for the deal, stating:
“Today, in unity with my friend, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan @HHShkMohd, we have initiated a new era of collaboration and friendship between our nations – Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.”
The key components of this groundbreaking agreement are as follows:
- Visa Ban Lifted: The UAE has agreed to immediately lift the visa ban imposed on Nigerian travelers.
- Flight Resumption: Both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines will resume their flight schedules into and out of Nigeria without any immediate payment obligation from the Nigerian government.
- Billion-Dollar Investments: An extensive framework has been established for the UAE government to make substantial investments, amounting to several billions of U.S. dollars, into various sectors of the Nigerian economy. This includes investments in areas such as defense and agriculture.
- Joint Foreign Exchange Liquidity Programme: A new program for joint foreign exchange liquidity between Nigeria and the UAE has been outlined, with specific details set to be disclosed in the coming weeks.
- Enhanced Relations: A commitment has been made to normalize and enhance the overall relations between the two countries. This commitment is underpinned by the collaboration between President Bola Tinubu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
In his full statement, President Tinubu emphasized the shared vision for a prosperous future and underscored their dedication to building enduring bridges of friendship. The collaborative efforts aim to foster a relationship that endures over time, benefitting both nations and their citizens.
President Tinubu’s announcement signifies a pivotal moment in Nigeria-UAE relations, with the potential for significant economic and diplomatic advancements in the near future.