In the wake of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) lifting its visa ban on Nigeria, the federal government is gearing up to engage and sensitize Nigerians residing in the UAE to act as exemplary ambassadors for their country.
This initiative was disclosed by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), during a meeting on Wednesday.
The development follows a recent announcement by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirming the mutual agreement between the Nigerian and UAE authorities to remove travel restrictions imposed on Nigerians with immediate effect.
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Earlier this week, Abike Dabiri-Erewa visited Ambassador Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, to discuss further cooperation and areas of mutual interest between both nations in light of the visa ban’s removal.
In a statement, NiDCOM outlined its intention to engage Nigerians in the UAE, emphasizing the importance of being exemplary ambassadors for Nigeria. Dabiri-Erewa stressed the need for Nigerians abroad to excel in their endeavors while maintaining strong ties to their homeland.
“The lifting of the visa ban presents a significant opportunity for enhanced bilateral relations and increased cooperation between Nigeria and the UAE,” remarked Dabiri-Erewa during her meeting with Ambassador Al-Shamsi.
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The initiative aims to foster better understanding and collaboration between the Nigerian diaspora community in the UAE and authorities in both countries, ensuring Nigerians contribute positively to their host country while maintaining cultural ties with Nigeria.
As efforts intensify to consolidate on this diplomatic breakthrough, stakeholders anticipate improved relations and more conducive travel conditions between Nigeria and the UAE in the foreseeable future.