THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
Nigeria has agreed to lift the ban placed on Emirates Airlines, which prevented it from operating in and out of the country.
According to a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, James Odaudu on Wednesday, the development was based on an undertaking by the authorities of the United Arabs Emirates (UAE).
The statement quoted the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, to have said that the commencement of the airline’s operations would depend on the commencement of visa issuance by the UAE.
“UAE has written to state that they agree to issue visas to Nigerians, consequently, decision has been reached to allow Emirates to fly into Nigeria.
Commencement of the Visa issuance is condition precedent. Please bear with this unusual situation.”
Speaking further, the Minister appreciated the understanding of everyone who has been negatively affected by the recent policy decisions which forbade some airlines from operating into the country when Nigeria reopened its air space to international flights.
The decisions, according to him, were taken to protect the interests of the nation and its citizens who deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, the same way Nigeria treats other nationals.
Emirates Airlines was initially given approval to operate into the country, but was later withdrawn following the inability of Nigerians to obtain/use valid tourist visas to enter the UAE.
Kola Tella
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