Muhammadu Buhari Pleads For Nigerians Over UAE Visa Ban

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked his United Arab Emirates (UAE) counterpart, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to lift a visa ban his nation imposed on Nigerians.

“Nigeria and the UAE have enjoyed excellent and beneficial relations for many years, including at the highest political levels. We can and must continue to iron out whatever issues arise between us”, Mr Buhari tweeted.

I telephoned the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to offer condolences on the death of his mother-in-law, Sheikha Maryam Al Falasi. May her soul rest in perfect peace.
I also urged him to lift the blanket visa ban by the UAE on Nigerians.

— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) February 14, 2023

We are mindful of the consular issues relating to the behaviour of some Nigerians in the UAE, and we will ensure the application of necessary sanctions, through appropriate judicial process, against anyone identified to have committed criminal acts in the UAE.

— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) February 14, 2023

Nigeria and the UAE have been embroiled in several diplomatic disputes with the UAE imposing a visa ban on Nigerians, and suspending its national carrier, Emirates Airlines, from operating in Nigeria since October 2022.

President Buhari assured the UAE that judicial sanctions will be imposed on Nigerians found to have committed criminal acts in the UAE.