Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has directed the prompt resolution of disagreements with Emirates Airline and the issuance of visas by the United Arab Emirates, according to a statement by the president’s spokesperson on Thursday.
Last year, the UAE ceased issuing visas to Nigerians following the suspension of flights by Dubai’s Emirates due to challenges in repatriating funds from Africa’s largest economy.
In a statement released on Thursday, Tinubu’s office revealed that the president met with Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, the UAE’s ambassador to Nigeria, during which Tinubu expressed his willingness to “personally” mediate in the dispute.
“We must collaborate and find common ground. It’s imperative to come to terms on key aviation and immigration matters,” stated Tinubu in the announcement.
Al-Shamsi echoed similar sentiments, noting, “Progress is being made. These are minor issues, akin to a family disagreement, and we are on track to resolve them.”
Emirates Airlines disclosed in March that it has a considerable amount of revenue tied up in Nigeria and has faced sluggish progress in repatriating these funds that have been blocked.
According to the global airline industry association IATA, Nigeria has withheld no less than $743 million in earnings from international carriers operating within the country.
Nigeria, a premier oil producer in Africa, is grappling with a scarcity of foreign currency despite several reforms. This scarcity of dollars has posed challenges for foreign airlines that had sold tickets in Nigerian naira, making it challenging for them to repatriate their earnings from the nation.
