A delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has arrived in Abuja to finalise discussions regarding the possible lifting of the visa ban on Nigeria.

The UAE delegation, which consists of state officials like Alshehhu Rasheed, Teo Teck San, Almannaei Khalid, Alhosani Talal, and Janahi Asma arrived in Nigeria on Sunday.

The delegation which is expected to meet President Bola Ahmed will also discuss beginning flight operations between the two countries. Recall that the UAE in 2022, withdrew its airlines, Emirates and Etihad Airways, from operating in Nigeria and halted the issuance of visas to Nigerians in response to Emirates revenues being held in Nigeria without remittance to the airline.

President Tinubu’s discussions during his stopover in Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, with President Mohamed bin Zayad al Nahyan focused on restoring diplomatic relations. These negotiations are expected to open the door for Emirates Airlines’ flights to resume, including 21 weekly flights with two daily flights from Dubai to Lagos and one daily flight from Dubai to Abuja. Flights on Air Peace to the UAE are also likely to resume in exchange.