1 week ago
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LAGOS – Mr. Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development has called on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to relax its current strict visa policy imposed on Nigerians.
Keyamo said that easing of the current stringent conditions would increase passenger traffic on designated routes, thereby benefiting both nations’ economies.
A statement by Mr. Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the minister, said that Keyamo canvassed this position in a high-level meeting with Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE’s Minister of Economy, during the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025.
Checks by Daily Independent in September 2024, had revealed that a Nigerian passport holder applicant was expected to provide a proof of six months bank statement with a minimum balance of $10,000 (about N16 million) in his or her account before applying for a UAE visa.
For Nigerian citizens with either valid United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Schengen visas on their passports, the rule may be a bit liberal on them.
Also, Nigerians with the green passports are mandated to provide round-trip flight tickets and proof of hotel booking before applying for the UAE visa.
Besides, Nigerian applicants are to also obtain a Document Verification Number (DVN), which the UAE said was to authenticate and verify documentation essential for visa applications to the UAE, among other stringent conditions.
Besides, Keyamo at the symposium, signed the amended Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The agreement was signed on behalf of Nigeria by Keyamo in a high-level meeting with Al Marri.
The agreement solidified mutual aviation ties between the two countries.
The statement maintained that the signing of the amended BASA built on the 2024 negotiations, which ensured reciprocal rights for both countries and fostering deeper aviation collaboration.
Keyamo at the symposium, emphasised the importance of enhancing connectivity between Nigeria and the UAE, with a focus on expanding codeshare agreements and interlining opportunities for Nigerian airlines.
In his comment, Al Marri, commended Keyamo for always keeping his words.
He said: “Let me say this on camera now, the Nigeria Aviation Minister is a man who keeps his words and for us, that’s everything.”
He also acknowledged his commitment to advancing Nigeria-UAE aviation relations.
In another development, both countries have agreed to sign a Technical Cooperation Agreement, focusing on capacity building and technical support in key aviation areas, including safety and regulatory, environment, airport facilitation and security.
This cooperation reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to elevating its aviation sector to global best practices while deepening ties with international partners, the statement said.
The Nigerian minister reaffirmed the country’s readiness to work closely with the UAE to implement these agreements effectively, ensuring that both nations maximised the economic and operational benefits of this strengthened partnership.
Part of the Nigerian delegation to the symposium were Capt. Chris Najomo, Director-General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); Mrs. Olayinka Babaoye-Iriobe, Director, Air Transport Regulations, NCAA; Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood, Director of Operations, FAAN and Mr. Ahmed Tijani, Director, Air Transport Management, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
The ICAO GISS 2025, hosted by H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), brought together over 35 ministers, 191 countries, 1,500 aviation professionals, and 70 exhibitors at the Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi.
The event also featured the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM)—an ambitious initiative by the UAE to drive collaboration and innovation in sustainable aviation.
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