Amid excitement over the resolution of the UAE-Nigeria diplomatic feud and hopes for the resumption of visa issuance to Nigerians, the UAE deported 190 Nigerians last week. While it’s uncertain if this deportation was part of the agreement between the two countries, it’s within the rights of any host nation to determine criteria for repatriating non-citizens, individuals with criminal tendencies, and illegal immigrants.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) received the deported Nigerians and cautioned those considering leaving Nigeria as economic migrants or part of the “japa” phenomenon. NEMA’s North-central Director, Bashir Garga, stated that the returnees were profiled and advised to “behave with decorum and responsibility.” He added that the federal government urges all Nigerians, wherever they may be, to act as exemplary ambassadors, upholding fundamental values of patriotism, rule of law, decency, and integrity.

This is not the first instance of Nigerians being deported from the UAE. In 2022, the Nigerian government repatriated 542 citizens from the same country. The frequency of deportations from the UAE and other nations like Libya suggests that many Nigerians lack proper documentation, making their stay illegal. Some may have been involved in criminal activities or violated local laws.

Such negative incidents have tarnished Nigeria’s image in host countries, including the UAE. The situation was exacerbated by economic and political decisions made by both nations. In October 2022, the UAE suspended visa issuance to Nigerians, citing “improper conduct and attempts to circumvent visa rules” by some Nigerian nationals. Aviation experts noted that the dispute escalated when Nigeria reduced Emirates Airlines’ flights to the country from 21 to once weekly, retaliating against the UAE’s refusal to allow Nigerian airline, Air Peace, to operate three weekly flights to Dubai. Additionally, a diplomatic dispute arose when the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) failed to remit an estimated $85 million in revenue owed to Emirates Airline.

The diplomatic row caused significant financial losses and emotional distress to citizens of both countries. Legitimate travellers, including students and business people, suffered hardships such as lost educational and employment opportunities. However, with the recent settlement, visa issuance was set to resume on July 15, and Emirates will restart flight operations on October 1, 2024, after nearly two years of suspension.

The resolution didn’t come easily. When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office last year, he prioritised addressing this diplomatic row. After a series of diplomatic efforts, the visa ban was reversed, as announced by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris.

The UAE has long been a preferred destination for Nigerian travellers, whether for business, tourism, or transit. This robust relationship was disrupted during the President Muhammadu Buhari administration due to the aforementioned reasons. As a new opportunity arises, Nigerians should seize it while maintaining exemplary behaviour and serving as good ambassadors for their country. Over the years, the actions of some Nigerians abroad have negatively impacted the Nigerian brand, causing legitimate activities by innocent Nigerians to be viewed with suspicion or rejected outright. This trend must be reversed.

While trade, tourism, and economic and political ties are conventional among nations, no country wants to harbour individuals who pose a threat to their society. Therefore, Nigerians qualified to travel, live, or work in the UAE or any other country should abide by the laws of their host nations. Concurrently, the Nigerian government has responsibilities to fulfill. Agreements between entities and nations are binding.

Blueprint advises the Tinubu administration to demonstrate good faith and leadership by honouring and respecting all agreements entered with the UAE, after subjecting them to proper diplomatic scrutiny. Politics should be separated from diplomatic niceties. President Tinubu has made a promising start, and we urge him to maintain this positive approach to diplomatic issues, both locally and globally.

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