Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, has denied online reports that the UAE had removed its ban on Nigerian travellers.
In a message uploaded on his X account on Tuesday evening, Onanuga said that a document in circulation was not authorized by either the Nigerian government or the UAE.
On Tuesday, March 6, a document went viral saying that the UAE has removed its ban on Nigerian travelers.
According to the document, Nigerians contemplating a journey to the UAE must first get a paper verification number and then attend the UAE embassy in Lagos or Abuja for an interview.
According to Onanuga’s tweet, the publication was never authorized by either the UAE or Nigerian governments.
Read his post below.
This came after we reported yesterday that the UAE’s visa restrictions on Nigerians had been lifted.
According to the report, a joint declaration by both countries stated that the visa prohibition would be repealed on March 4, 2024.
The statement noted that the start of visa issuance was a “milestone,” reflecting the successful outcome of in-depth talks between the two nations and underscoring “our shared commitment to strengthening ties, enhancing cultural exchanges, and fostering opportunities for economic and social collaborations.”
To guarantee a smooth and quick visa application process, the UAE has implemented an upgraded document verification procedure.
The UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Saleem Saeed Al-Shamsi, emphasized the significance of the modified protocol.
Beginning March 4, 2024, all Nigerian applicants for UAE visas must first receive a document verification number. According to the UAE, this vital step must be performed by accessing the designated online Document Verification Hub platform (https://documentverificationhub.com).
He said:
“We are committed to facilitating straightforward and expedited visa applications for Nigerians. The introduction of the Document Verification Number is designed to enhance the integrity of our application process and ensure prompt processing for all applicants.”
After getting the Document Verification Number, applicants can submit their visa applications through certified travel agencies, with the procedure finished at the UAE Embassy in Abuja or Lagos.
The statement, according to the UAE, represents “our ongoing efforts to enhance the strong ties between the UAE and Nigeria, contributing to the prosperity and well-being of our people.”
Recall that, in response to the COVID-19 epidemic and the actions of certain other nations’ nationals, the UAE barred people from 20 African countries, including Nigeria, from entering its capital city, Dubai, in 2022.
This was followed by a quarrel between Nigeria and the UAE over how to handle tourists entering Dubai during the epidemic, which Nigeria objected to.
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