The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy has disassociated itself from a recent article alleging diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates over visa policies.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry condemned a July 12, 2025, publication by a travel media outlet titled: “A Bitter Irony: UAE’s Sanctions Undermine African Trust After Africa-Backed Win for UN Tourism Role.”
The Ministry, through the office of the Minister, described the report as misleading and unrepresentative of Nigeria’s official stance.
“The views and assertions made in the article do not reflect the position of the Minister, the Ministry, or the Federal Government of Nigeria,” the statement read.
It further clarified that Nigeria and the UAE maintain “a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship,” particularly in tourism development and cultural cooperation.
The Ministry also refuted claims of disruptions in UAE visa issuance for Nigerians, stating: “The Federal Government has not received any official communication regarding changes to UAE’s visa policy, and visa issuance for Nigerians is proceeding in an orderly manner.”
The statement urged the publisher to retract the article to prevent further misrepresentation of Nigeria’s diplomatic relations.
“We reaffirm our commitment to international tourism cooperation and peaceful partnerships based on trust and diplomacy,” the Ministry emphasized.
The disclaimer comes amid Nigeria’s active engagement in global tourism initiatives, including recent collaborations with the UAE to enhance cultural exchanges and economic ties.
