The federal government has confirmed that it is working on the final details of resolving the visa ban issue imposed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Nigerians.
Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, disclosed this during the closing ceremony of the 7th African Aviation Summit in Abuja. This announcement came shortly after the UAE 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 (BASA). He highlighted the need for balanced and equitable treatment between the two countries.
The minister stated, “We are working out the details. When two countries agree at the very top level, then, of course, all the government operatives will begin to work out the tiny details. So, we are beginning to work out all the tiny details. I met with Emirates before I left the UAE, I met with Etihad before I left the UAE, and we are working out the details.”
Keyamo acknowledged that establishing airline operations on a route involves various logistical challenges, including rescheduling flights, restarting routes, obtaining permissions from local authorities, and addressing other regulatory matters. He emphasized the need for UAE airlines to grant reciprocal rights to Nigerian airlines under BASA.
Addressing concerns about trapped funds, the minister reassured that efforts were underway to facilitate the repatriation of foreign airlines’ funds.
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