The Federal Government has called on the United Arab Emirates to ease visa restrictions on Nigerian travelers.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made the appeal during the signing of an amended Bilateral Air Service Agreement between both countries.
The event took place at the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium 2025 in Dubai.
Keyamo said that relaxing visa rules would boost passenger traffic and benefit both countries’ economies.
“The current visa restrictions limit the potential for increased travel and economic exchange between our nations. A review of these conditions would unlock new opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment,” he stated.
The UAE first imposed stricter visa rules for Nigerians in October 2020, citing concerns over illegal activities. In February 2021, the country also suspended visa issuance for Nigerians.
Tensions between Nigeria and the UAE grew in 2023 due to these visa restrictions and issues like Emirates Airlines’ trapped funds in Nigeria.
However, in 2024, the UAE started easing some restrictions, allowing limited visa issuance for Nigerians, but with tougher conditions such as higher fees and extra background checks.
Keyamo argued that removing these barriers would not only boost travel but also strengthen trade and investment ties.
The appeal comes as Nigeria and the UAE deepen their aviation partnership through the amended BASA. The agreement, signed by Keyamo and UAE’s Minister of Economy, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, aims to improve flight connections and create more opportunities for Nigerian airlines.
During the signing ceremony, Al Marri praised Keyamo’s commitment, saying, “Let me say this on camera now, the Nigeria Aviation Minister is a man who keeps his words, and for us, that’s everything.”
Both countries also agreed to sign a Technical Cooperation Agreement focused on capacity building and technical support in aviation, covering areas like safety, regulatory compliance, and airport security.
