The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has urged the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to relax its stringent visa policy imposed on Nigerians in order to enhance travel between the two countries.
Keyamo said easing the strict conditions would increase passenger traffic on designated routes, thereby benefiting both nations’ economies and straightening Emirates Airlines operations in Nigeria.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Minister’s spokesman, Tunde Moshood, who said that the Minister canvassed more flexible visa conditions in a high-level meeting with, UAE’s Minister of Economy, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, during the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025.
In another major aviation-related development, Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, signed an interline agreement with West Africa’s largest airline, Air Peace, enhancing connectivity for passengers travelling to and from Nigeria.
The airlines explained in a statement that the partnership expands Emirates’ footprint to 13 new cities in Nigeria with frictionless single-ticket travel and simplified baggage throughput.
At the high-level meeting with, UAE’s Minister of Economy, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri at the ICAO symposium, Keyamo signed the amended Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a high-level meeting with Al Marri.
The agreement solidified mutual aviation ties between the two countries.
The statement maintained that the signing of the amended BASA built on the 2024 negotiations, which ensured reciprocal rights for both countries and fostering deeper aviation collaboration.
Keyamo at the symposium, emphasised the importance of enhancing connectivity between Nigeria and the UAE, with a focus on expanding codeshare agreements and interlining opportunities for Nigerian airlines.
In his comment, Al Marri, commended Keyamo for always keeping his words.
He said: “Let me say this on camera now, the Nigeria Aviation Minister is a man who keeps his words and for us, that’s everything.”
He also acknowledged his commitment to advancing Nigeria-UAE aviation relations.
In another development, both countries have agreed to sign a Technical Cooperation Agreement, focusing on capacity building and technical support in key aviation areas, including safety and regulatory, environment, airport facilitation and security.
This cooperation reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to elevating its aviation sector to global best practices while deepening ties with international partners, the statement said.
The Nigerian minister reaffirmed the country’s readiness to work closely with the UAE to implement these agreements effectively, ensuring that both nations maximised the economic and operational benefits of this strengthened partnership.
The ICAO GISS 2025, hosted by H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), brought together over 35 ministers, 191 countries, 1,500 aviation professionals, and 70 exhibitors at the Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi.
The event also featured the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM) – an ambitious initiative by the UAE to drive collaboration and innovation in sustainable aviation.
For Nigerian citizens with either valid United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Schengen visas on their passports, the stringent rule might be relaxed and there was a call then by Nigerians, especially travel agents, advising UAE to relax those visa conditions to enhance higher passenger traffic on the Dubai-Lagos route.
The condition was even more stringent with Nigerians that have the green passports, who were mandated to provide round-trip flight tickets and proof of hotel booking before applying for the UAE visa.
Also, Nigerian applicants are to also obtain a Document Verification Number (DVN), which the UAE said was to authenticate and verify documenta¬tion essential for visa applications to the UAE, among other stringent conditions.
THISDAY learnt that these were precautionary measures adopted by UAE to ensure that the wrong people inclined to crime and other illicit behaviour were not allowed in the country.
Meanwhile, the Emirates, Air Peace interline agreement means that travelers booked on flights from Dubai to Lagos can access more of Nigeria, with onward connections to Asaba, Akure, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Ilorin, Kaduna and Owerri.
The interline agreement will also benefit corporate travelers, connecting to additional cities in one of Africa’s major economic hubs, including its capital city Abuja, Kano, Uyo, Port Harcourt and Warri, further supporting the strong bilateral trade relationship between Nigeria and the UAE.
Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, said: “Emirates is a steadfast partner of Nigeria’s tourism, trade and aviation sectors. This partnership with Air Peace is the next step on this journey, bolstering our connectivity and introducing more travel options for corporate leisure, and travelers visiting friends and family to and from Nigeria.
“We look forward to deepening our strategic partnership with Air Peace in the future to enhance the benefits for our mutual customers.”
Chief Operating Officer, Air Peace, Oluwatoyin Olajide, said: “We are excited about this strategic interline partnership between Air Peace and Emirates, which is a significant step towards enhancing global connectivity for Nigerian travelers.
“It aligns with our mission to provide seamless, world-class travel experiences while expanding our route network and international reach. This collaboration not only expands Air Peace’s international reach but also offers Nigerians arriving from Dubai seamless access to key domestic destinations, including Asaba, Akure, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Ilorin, Kaduna, and Owerri.
“By improving ease of travel, we are boosting business, tourism, and trade opportunities, further strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and the UAE. This partnership also reinforces Nigeria’s aviation sector by enhancing connectivity, efficiency and positioning our country as a critical hub for regional and global travel.
“At Air Peace, we remain committed to providing greater connectivity, convenience, and world-class service for our passengers.”
Emirates’ Dubai-Lagos route is operated with a Boeing 777-300ER, offering the best experience in the sky.
Passengers can dine on regionally inspired multi-course menus and a wide selection of premium beverages, while enjoying over 6,500 channels of global entertainment, including 23 Nigerian movies, in addition to series and other content on ice, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system.
As one of only two airlines operating First Class into Lagos, the partnership enables more travelers from Nigeria to experience Emirates’ unrivalled experience with luxurious touches, defined by comfort and privacy.
Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading airline, provides seamless connections domestically and internationally, via a fleet of aircraft, comprised of Airbus 320s, Boeing 737s, Boeing 777s, Dornier 328-300 Jets, Embraer 145s, and Embraer 195-E2s.
Emirates offers near-unrivalled global connectivity, which is further amplified by its extensive partnership network. In Africa, the airline’s footprint expands to over 223 regional points through 5 code-share and 19 interline partners, providing better connection opportunities to both holiday destinations and emerging economic centres on the continent.
