Four hundred Nigerians were deported from the United Arab Emirates and arrived back in Nigeria on September 11, 2024. The deportees, including 90 females and 310 males, landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Reception and Support
The deportees were received by a range of Nigerian government agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). These agencies collaborated to provide support and assistance to the deportees upon their return.
Background and Diplomatic Tensions
The deportations come amidst ongoing diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and the UAE. The UAE had previously imposed a visa ban on Nigerians, largely due to financial and diplomatic disputes, including issues related to unpaid revenue by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
In July 2024, Nigeria repatriated 190 Nigerians from the UAE. This latest deportation occurs as both nations have been working to resolve their differences, with the UAE lifting the visa ban on Nigerians in July 2024. The lifting of travel restrictions was seen as a positive step in easing diplomatic strains between the two countries.
Context of the Visa Ban
The visa ban and other diplomatic issues have strained relations between Nigeria and the UAE. The ban was partly due to disputes over the Central Bank of Nigeria’s failure to remit approximately $85 million in revenue to the UAE. Negotiations have been ongoing, and Nigeria has reportedly paid a significant portion of the outstanding amount, leading to progress in resolving the conflict.
Conclusion
The arrival of the 400 deported Nigerians highlights ongoing diplomatic and logistical challenges between Nigeria and the UAE. Both countries have made efforts to mend relations, and the lifting of the visa ban signifies a potential thaw in diplomatic tensions.
News Editor