Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has directed immediate resolution of issues affecting relations with Emirates Airline and visa issuance to Nigerians.
The directive was given during a meeting with the UAE Ambassador, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, at the State House in Abuja. The two countries have a long history of flight restrictions due to unresolved issues surrounding the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).
Visa restrictions have surfaced as diplomatic tensions continue between Nigeria and the UAE, a top destination for Nigerian migrants and tourists.
Tinubu’s spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, stated that he stands prepared to intervene in the diplomatic row between Nigeria and the UAE. He emphasized that the issues should be resolved amicably, and that they should agree on core aviation and immigration issues.
The UAE Ambassador, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, expressed gratitude for being in Nigeria and urged Tinubu to accept him as a Nigerian and consider him a member of his team.
The President emphasized that they should work together to resolve these issues as a family problem.
