FG Lifts Suspension on Emirates Airline.

By Helen Udoh-Abuja

In response to the yearnings of Nigerian travellers, the Federal Government Friday night announced the lifting of the ban it previous placed on Emirates Airline from flying into Nigeria.

This however came after painstaking negotiations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Emirates Airlines home country, according to the Minister of Aviation,  Senator. Hadi Sirika who made the announcement.

Briefing journalists in the  company of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey  Oyeama and  the  National  Incidence Manager of Presidential Steering Committee on Covid-19,  Dr Muktar Mohammed,  Senator Hadi Sirika told newsmen that UAE has also removed all travel  restrictions on Nigerians.

This was contained in a statement signed by Dr James Odaudu  Director Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation and made available to Outlook Media in Abuja.

The FG had previously barred Emirates from flying into Nigeria over discriminatory policies on Nigerians as regards to COVID-19 protocols by the UAE. He however disclosed that the lifting of the ban  was without conditions.
“Today we received communication from UAE removing some of the conditions of travel of which we had concerns about. Haven done so, we feel we should lift the ban on the suspension of Emirates Airline” he ssid.

He said from today (Friday), all the impediments on Emirates has been lifted and that the airline can now operate in Nigeria.
Sirika expressed his appreciation for the understanding shown by Nigerians despite the obvious hardships experienced as a  result of the spat between the two countries.

Also speaking at the brieifng, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyema  noted that the Nigerian Government recognises that the United Arab Emirates has a responsibility to protect the lives of her citizens thus whatever measures that they had taken was for the interest of her citizens.

He ssid the negotiation that led to the renewed relationship was a balanced one and that it was a win-win for both countries 
He reiterated that though Nigeria has always had an excellent relationship with UAE, the negotiations had made the relationship even stronger.

On his part, the National Incidence Manager of the Presidential Steering Committee on Covid-19, Dr Muktar Mohammed commended the leadership provided by members of the Committee in ensuring the resolution of the impasse between the two countries.

He also disclosed that the Presidential Steering Committee was watching closely the developments within the Southern African regions with regards to the discovery of a new variant of the virus, saying everything necessary to prevent its entrance into Nigeria would be done.