Nigeria, UAE collaborating to end visa restrictions – Keyamo
The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) is actively working to resolve the visa ban issue imposed on Nigerians by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, made this announcement during the closing ceremony of the 7th African Aviation Summit in Abuja, just days after the UAE had lifted its month-long visa ban on Nigerian travelers.
Keyamo emphasized the importance of achieving reciprocal rights for airlines operating between Nigeria and the UAE in accordance with the Bilateral Air Services Agreements.
He stressed the need for equitable treatment between the two countries.
The minister stated, “We are currently ironing out the details. When two countries reach an agreement at the highest level, all government officials begin working on the finer points. I had discussions with Emirates and Etihad airlines while in the UAE, and we are in the process of finalizing the specifics.”
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Regarding the timeframe for this resolution, Keyamo explained that initiating airline operations on a route involves more than simply deploying an available aircraft.
Airlines must reschedule their flights, reestablish routes, and secure various permissions from local authorities.
He also highlighted his insistence that the UAE grant reciprocal rights to Nigerian airlines under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement.
He affirmed, “I made it clear to them that they should grant our airlines the same access we provide them within Nigeria.”
Additionally, the minister addressed concerns related to trapped funds and assured that efforts are underway to facilitate the repatriation of foreign airlines’ funds.
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