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By Pascal Ibe
Instablog9ja, a social media news platform has on Tuesday 5th March, 2024, claimed that the United Arab Emirates, UAE has resumed visas services for Nigerians.
Instablog9ja made the claim on it’s X account on Tuesday evening.
Just In: UAE resumes visa services for Nigerians
In an effort to strengthen bilateral relationships with Nigeria, the government of United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the resumption of Visa services for Nigerians wishing to visit the country from Monday, March 4, 2024.… pic.twitter.com/55FnXTuDmz
— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) March 5, 2024
The post with attached document and photo stated, “Just In: UAE resumes visa services for Nigerians
“In an effort to strengthen bilateral relationships with Nigeria, the government of United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the resumption of Visa services for Nigerians wishing to visit the country from Monday, March 4, 2024.
“The announcement, which was contained in a communique made available to newsmen on Tuesday, follows discussions between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayad Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.
“The government of Nigeria and the government of United Arab Emirates are delighted to announce a pivotal development in our diplomatic relations: the resumption of visa services for Nigerian citizens wishing to visit the UAE, commencing on 4th March 2024.
“The milestone reflects the successful outcome of in-depth talks between our nations, underscoring our shared commitment to Strengthening ties, enhancing cultural exchanges, and fostering opportunities for economic and social collaboration,” the communique reads in part.
The post has since attracted over 53k views and over 100 reposts.
PRESIDENCY SAYS VISA BAN LIFTED AFTER TINUBU’S VISIT TO UAE
Recall in September 2023, the Presidential Spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement said Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi, finalised a historic agreement, which has resulted in the immediate cessation of the visa ban placed on Nigerian travelers to the Arab country.
According to Ngelale, this historic agreement, both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines are to immediately resume flight schedules into and out of Nigeria, without any further delay.
He said in recognition of President Tinubu’s economic development diplomacy drive and proposals presented by President Tinubu to his counterpart, an agreed framework has been established, which will involve several billions of U.S. dollars worth of new investments into the Nigerian economy across multiple sectors, including defence, agriculture and others, by the investment arms of the Government of the United Arab Emirates.
BUT UAE GOVERNMENT DENIED IT
On September 25, 2023, the United Arab Emirates contradicted claims by the Nigerian government that it is to lift a year-long visa ban on travellers from Nigeria.
An official from the Gulf state told CNN: “There are no changes on the Nigeria/UAE travel status so far.”
According to CNN, the source asked not to be named because he is not authorized to speak to the media.
The statement by the UAE government said both leaders had during the meeting, “explored opportunities for further bilateral collaboration” with the hope of “reinforcing ties between the UAE and Nigeria,” but did not mention lifting the visa ban or flights restarting.
VERIFICATION
Verifying this latest claim by Instablog9ja on Tuesday evening, a check on the official X account of UAE embassy in Nigeria , showed that no announcement has been made by UAE authorities on resuming visa services for Nigerians.
No update has also been provided on official X accounts of Federal ministry of foreign affairs and the Presidency Nigeria on resumption of visa services for Nigerians.
PHOTO AND DOCUMENT
Findings by our reporter indicated that the photo was taken when President Tinubu and UAE met on September 2023 in a visit by the Nigeria’s president to the country.
The document posted by Instablog9ja, when traced, did not show up on any news or government social media website.
VERDICT:
At the moment, the claim by Instablog9ja that visa services for Nigerians have resumed, cannot be confirmed by the authorities of both Nigeria and UAE.
The claim is UNPROVEN.
