The Federal Government has called on the authorities of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to review visa restrictions for Nigerians, according to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barrister Festus Keyamo has said.
During the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025 in Dubai, UAE, the minister signed the amended Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the UAE.
Since the visa restriction was lifted last year, travel agents and Nigerians have complained about stringent visa conditions on all visa categories.
However, a statement from the Minister’s spokesman, Mr. Tunde Moshood, quoted Keyamo as emphasising that easing the current conditions would increase passenger traffic on designated routes while benefiting both nations’ economies.
During a high-level meeting with UAE’s Minister of Economy, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, the Nigerian minister signed the amended BASA, which aimed to solidify mutual aviation ties between both nations.
Included in the Nigerian delegation with the minister were the Director General, Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Ona Najomo; and Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku.
The ICAO GISS 2025, hosted by the Director General of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, brought together over 35 ministers, 191 countries, 1,500 aviation professionals, and 70 exhibitors at the prestigious Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi. The event also featured the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace — an ambitious initiative by the UAE to drive collaboration and innovation in sustainable aviation.
The statement indicated that the signing of the amended BASA builds on last year’s negotiations, ensuring reciprocal rights for both countries and fostering deeper aviation collaboration.
The minister emphasised the importance of enhancing connectivity between Nigeria and the UAE, with a focus on expanding codeshare agreements and interlining opportunities for Nigerian airlines.
During the signing ceremony, Touq Al Marri lauded the Nigerian minister as 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’, acknowledging his commitment to advancing Nigeria-UAE aviation relations.
In a further boost to bilateral relations, both countries 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.
