President Bola Tinubu has stated that he is willing to personally intervene in the issues involving Emirates Airline and the issuance of United Arab Emirates, UAE, visas to Nigerians.
The President also stated that African countries have a better chance of overcoming economic and security challenges if they look within for solutions and follow through on all pledges and agreements.
Tinubu made the remarks while receiving credentials from three envoys at the Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday.
The diplomats were Mr. Awall Wagris Mohammed, Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; Mrs. Miriam Morales Palmero, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba; and Mr. Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates.
Recall that Emirates Airline, the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates, suspended operations in Nigeria last October due to the company’s inability to repatriate a $85 million blocked fund.
Following that, the government slammed a visa ban on Nigerians seeking to visit Dubai in a notice made available to Vanguard.
They stated that the rejections are general for Nigerians and that approvals are currently on hold.
There would also be no refunds for applications that were rejected.
President Tinubu told the UAE ambassador that he would personally intervene in these matters.
According to Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, “Africans must work for the advancement of Africa.”
He said,
“We should be able to resolve our internal problems, collectively. It requires a great commitment, but we must do that.
“No one can understand our people better than we do. Home-grown solutions are better for all of us, and the remedies will last longer.”
While receiving the UAE ambassador, President Buhari directed those issues concerning relations with Emirates Airline and the issuance of visas to Nigerians be resolved “immediately.”
He emphasised his willingness to “personally” intervene.
“We are a family with the UAE,” Tinubu told the ambassador. We only share one room, but we live in the same house.
“Nigeria and UAE should look at the issues as a family problem and resolve it amicably. As you know in every family, there are peculiarities.
“You can have an erring son, or daughter, but we must work together. We need to agree on core aviation and immigration issues.”