Presidency

Tinubu directs resolution of Emirates airline, UAE visa crises

President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate solution to the issues affecting Nigeria’s relations with the Emirates Airline and the issuance of visas to Nigerians.

Tinubu said the issues should be “immediately” resolved, stressing that he is prepared to “personally” intervene.

The president made the declaration while receiving Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, alongside two others – Ambassador of Ethiopia, Awall Wagris Mohammed, and Ambassador of Cuba, Miriam Morales Palmero – at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, August 24, 2023.

He said: “We are a family with the UAE, we only live in separate rooms, but we are in the same house. We 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.”

Responding, Al-Shamsi said he already sees himself as a “Nigerian” considering the historical antecedents of the country, its long-standing leadership role in Africa, and its reputation for hospitality to strangers.

In a meeting with the Ambassador of Ethiopia, Tinubu assured the envoy that Nigeria will continue to strengthen its ties with African countries in the areas of trade, security, and economic growth.

The president said: “Africans need to work for the progress of Africa. 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. Homegrown solutions are better for all of us, and the remedies will last longer.”

Speaking, Mohammed congratulated Tinubu for the historic decisions he has taken in the country and the impact of the policies on the continent, assuring of his dedication to improve relations between Nigeria and Ethiopia.

In another meeting with Ambassador of Cuba, Tinubu commended the nation for excelling in the advancement of indigenous medical sciences and accessible health care at the grassroots, while ensuring the stability of their surrounding region.

The president noted that Nigeria and Cuba share some cultural similarities that can be explored to improve the lives of citizens, especially in tourism and other economic sectors.

“We should collaborate more in science and technology, an area that will improve the lives of our people, particularly the youthful population Nigeria is so blessed with,” he added.

The Star