In-Depth: President Bola Tinubu Urges Immediate Resolution to Nigeria-UAE Disputes, Discusses Stronger African Ties in Diplomatic Talks with Envoys

President Bola Tinubu, in a significant diplomatic move yesterday, highlighted the urgent need for resolving ongoing tensions between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that have impacted both Emirates Airline operations and visa issuance for Nigerian nationals. This call for immediate action came amid a broader discussion on Africa’s potential for self-reliance and partnership within the continent.

President Tinubu Receives Letters of Credence

In a ceremony held at the State House, President Tinubu formally received Letters of Credence from three distinguished diplomats: Mr. Awall Wagris Mohammed, the Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; Mrs. Miriam Morales Palmero, the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba; and Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates.

The Meeting with Ethiopian Ambassador

Strengthening Inter-Africa Relations

During a private discussion with Ethiopian Ambassador Mohammed, President Tinubu expressed that Nigeria would continue its commitment to foster stronger relations with fellow African nations, focusing particularly on trade, security, and economic growth.

The President’s Vision for Africa

“Africans need to work for the progress of Africa. We should be able to resolve our internal problems, collectively. It requires a great commitment, but we must do that. No one can understand our people better than we do. Home-grown solutions are better for all of us, and the remedies will last longer,” President Tinubu passionately argued.

Ethiopian Ambassador’s Positive Response

Ambassador Mohammed praised President Tinubu for the transformative policies he has implemented in Nigeria and their ripple effect across the continent. The Ethiopian diplomat assured President Tinubu of his commitment to enhance the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Ethiopia.

The Cuban Connection

Commendation for Medical Advances

In another crucial diplomatic interaction, President Tinubu met with Cuban Ambassador Mrs. Miriam Morales Palmero. He lauded the Caribbean nation for its remarkable progress in indigenous medical sciences and the accessibility of healthcare at the grassroots level.

Shared Cultural Ties and Future Collaboration

President Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria and Cuba share various cultural synergies that could be leveraged to enhance citizen welfare, particularly in the domains of tourism and the economy. “We should collaborate more in science and technology, an area that will improve the lives of our people, particularly the youthful population Nigeria is so blessed with,” the President told Ambassador Palmero.

Resolving the UAE Impasse

Immediate Attention to Aviation and Visa Issues

Meeting with the UAE Ambassador Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, President Tinubu directed that obstacles hindering smooth relations between Nigeria and the UAE—especially those affecting Emirates Airline and visa issuance—must be “immediately” addressed.

A Family Perspective on Diplomatic Relations

“We are a family with UAE; we only live in separate rooms, but we are in the same house. We should look at the issues as a family problem and resolve it amicably. As you know in every family, there are peculiarities. You can have an erring son or daughter, but we must work together. We need to agree on core aviation and immigration issues,” President Tinubu articulated.

UAE Ambassador’s Affectionate Stance Towards Nigeria

Ambassador Al-Shamsi responded warmly, mentioning that he already considers himself as a “Nigerian” given Nigeria’s significant historical background, its leadership role in Africa, and its famed hospitality. “Since I arrived in the country, I have been working on 24 agreements. We are getting somewhere. These are small issues, all within a family, and they will be resolved,” Al-Shamsi confirmed.

The engagement of President Tinubu with the envoys is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s foreign policy outlook. It not only aims to resolve existing tensions but also casts a vision for a more unified and self-reliant Africa. By approaching diplomatic relations through the lens of family and community, President Tinubu brings a fresh, humane perspective to international politics, emphasizing that at the end of the day, nations are but larger extensions of the basic human social unit—the family.