ABUJA — The Federal Government has said it has not yet received any official communication from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding new requirements for issuing transit visas to Nigerian citizens.

This comes in the wake of new visa guidelines recently introduced by both the United States and UAE, which have created additional hurdles for Nigerian travelers.

President Bola Tinubu, however, has reassured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to securing the best possible conditions for citizens abroad, ensuring their ability to travel, work, and reside with dignity and respect anywhere in the world.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasized that any legitimate concerns raised by Nigerians are being addressed through the appropriate diplomatic channels in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria remains dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the longstanding cordial relations with both the United States and the United Arab Emirates,” the statement said.

Onanuga noted that the recent policy changes regarding visa issuance to Nigerians by both countries are being taken seriously by the government, with relevant ministries and agencies actively engaging to resolve the issues constructively.

The U.S. government has officially explained that its revised visa policy stems from two main concerns: the high rate of visa overstays by Nigerian nationals and the need for more reliable access to travelers’ records. The policy change, according to U.S. officials, is part of a global review process on visa reciprocity, which includes revisions to visa validity and entry allowances.

In response, President Tinubu has instructed all federal agencies to comply fully with Nigeria’s international obligations and to enhance collaboration with other governments in verifying the identities of Nigerians requesting consular services abroad.

He also urged Nigerians to respect the immigration laws of their host countries and to honor the terms and privileges granted to them under those legal frameworks.

Concerning the UAE’s new transit visa conditions for Nigerians, the Federal Government clarified that it has not received any formal notification from UAE authorities on a revised policy. Nonetheless, it noted that visa issuance appears to be resuming in a gradual and orderly fashion.

President Tinubu expressed appreciation for the continued engagement and cooperation of the UAE government with Nigerian officials, and reiterated that any valid concerns are being managed through proper diplomatic avenues.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving the best outcomes for Nigerians abroad, in line with his 4-D foreign policy agenda — Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Dialogue — with particular emphasis on the diaspora.

The President also underscored the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties with both the United States and the United Arab Emirates.