Diplomatic Row Between UAE and Nigeria Will Be Resolved Soon- FG

The federal government says the diplomatic row between the United Arab Emirates(UAE) and Nigeria will be resolved soon.

The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Siriki, said this at a briefing on Monday in Abuja.

Last week, UAE had reduced the number of slots allocated to Air Peace, a Nigerian airline to fly into the country in a week, this action was not well taken by the Nigerian government. In retaliation to the treatment, the Nigerian government also reduced the number of slots allocated to Emirates from 21 to just one.

On Monday, it was also reported that the UAE banned foreign airlines from airlifting Nigerian passengers into their country.

As a result, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and other airlines connecting transit flights from their hubs into Dubai refused to board Nigerians.

Speaking at the briefing, Sirika said there are “huge signs” that the ongoing issues will be resolved soon.

“We have followed the normal diplomatic routes to continue to engage UAE. There are huge signs that we are getting to resolve this matter soon,” he said.

“We have a responsibility as a government to take certain decisions on behalf of people that are in accordance with the law and that will ensure that our citizens are treated fairly and equally and also enjoy mutual relationships.”

He insisted that the decision to reduce the number of frequencies of Emirates Airlines to Lagos and Abuja was in line with established ICAO protocols and the spirit of the BASA signed with the UAE.

“The PSC also evaluated the developments on the relationship between Nigeria and the UAE and we are pleased to inform you that the position of the Federal Government is in line with established International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO Protocols and the spirit of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement, BASA, signed with the UAE,” he added.

‘’Our sovereignty remains paramount, and mutual respects shall be our guiding principle in as much as it should be in the best interest of Nigeria.

“The PSC will at its next regular briefing on Monday, December 20, brief you fully on developments.”