THE Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy has issued a strong disclaimer distancing itself from a recent article suggesting diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In a statement issued on Wednesday made available to News Point Nigeria, the Ministry said the July 12 publication by African Travel Times, titled “A Bitter Irony: UAE’s Sanctions Undermine African Trust After Africa-Backed Win for UN Tourism Role,” does not reflect the official stance of the Honourable Minister, the Ministry, or the Federal Government.
The article had implied that Nigeria’s support for a recent African appointment to a UN tourism body had strained relations with the UAE, especially following speculated visa restrictions against Nigerians.
However, the Ministry categorically rejected these claims.
“The views and assertions in the article are entirely misrepresentative,” the statement said, adding that “Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates enjoy a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship, particularly in tourism development and cultural cooperation.”
The Ministry clarified that there has been no official communication from the UAE about any changes to its visa policy for Nigerians.
According to the Ministry, visa processing for Nigerians by UAE authorities is “proceeding in an orderly manner.”
It further called on the publishers to retract the article, warning that such misrepresentation could damage diplomatic relations.
“We dissociate ourselves from the contents of the publication and urge the outlet to correct the narrative,” said Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy.
She reaffirmed Nigeria’s continued commitment to fostering international tourism cooperation and promoting diplomacy rooted in mutual trust and respect.
