The presidency has confirmed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has not lifted the visa ban on Nigeria, contrary to earlier reports suggesting otherwise.

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, clarified the situation, stating that the ban remains in place.

In a statement shared on his official X handle, Onanuga emphasized that the UAE has not resumed visa issuance to Nigerians, debunking the circulating document claiming otherwise. He underscored that neither the Nigerian government nor the UAE has authorized the document.

The UAE initially imposed the visa ban on Nigerians and citizens from 19 other African countries in October 2022, triggering diplomatic tensions between the two nations. Subsequently, travel agents and trade partners were instructed to reject all visa applications from the affected countries.

Since the imposition of the ban, discussions between Nigerian and UAE authorities have been ongoing, aiming to resolve the diplomatic impasse surrounding travel restrictions. However, as of now, the visa ban on Nigerians entering the UAE remains in effect.