The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy has noted with concern an article published by African Travel Times on July 12, 2025, titled:
“A Bitter Irony: UAE’s Sanctions Undermine African Trust After Africa-Backed Win for UN Tourism Role.”
In a statement signed by Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa
reveal that Ministry wishes to categorically state that the views and assertions contained in the article do not represent the position of the Honourable Minister, the Ministry, or the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continue to maintain a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship, particularly in the areas of tourism development and cultural cooperation.
Furthermore, the Federal Government has not received any official communication indicating changes to the UAE’s visa policy. To the best of our knowledge, visa issuance to Nigerian citizens is ongoing in an orderly and consistent manner.
The Ministry therefore dissociates itself from the content of the article and urges the publishers to issue an immediate retraction in order to prevent further misrepresentation of Nigeria’s diplomatic stance.
We reaffirm Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to international tourism cooperation and the advancement of peaceful, respectful, and trust-based partnerships with all nations.
