By Ben Adoga, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, yesterday received the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, at his office in Abuja.
During the meeting, Wike said he was concerned over the visa ban on Nigerians and hoped that the UAE government would expedite the restriction lift to enable Nigerians to travel to the country.
He also declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is out for whatever will make Nigeria great.
Wike made this declaration when he received the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi in his office in Abuja yesterday.
He said the UAE has become a global tourist attraction and that he is happy that the relationship between both countries is growing, the city of Abuja which already has a lot in common with Dubai would have a lot to learn from the UAE.
Wike told the visiting Ambassador, “We believe in the relationship that Mr. President is facilitating between Nigeria and United Arab Emirates, UAE, it is important for the city (Abuja) to consolidate on it, and we would like to partner with United Arab Emirates.
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“We have a lot in common. The United Arab Emirates, especially, Dubai city has become a tourist centre of the world, and that is what we also crave so Abuja should also be a tourist centre.
“Therefore, we are open to discussions, and I believe that when Mr. President is coming (visiting for the conference), the FCT will partner and be part of the delegation, to be able to discuss tourism as an economic means to both countries.”
Wike said it excites him as the relationship between both countries grows better, it would be better for both countries as President Tinubu was out for anything that would make Nigeria great.
“I’m glad that the relationship is getting better and better than what it used to be. I know for the President, governance is business, and whatever that is going to make Nigeria great is what he is going to stand for. So, we are here as his foot soldiers to complement his effort to see that his renewed hope agenda is fulfilled,” Wike stated.
Earlier, the visiting Ambassador, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi told his host that he loves Abuja city, Nigeria, and its people.
He notified the FCT minister of his country’s invitation to President Tinubu to attend the Convention on Climate Change, COP28 which UAE is hosting.
“I love it here, and I love the people of Nigeria. I would always say that I’m representing UAE, President Tinubu is coming to UAE by the end of this month to attend the Convention on Climate Change (COP28) edition and that is going to be something great for us.”
He said, “The UAE will host the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) from November 30 to December 12, 2023, at Expo City Dubai to unite the world towards agreement on bold, practical and ambitious solutions to the most pressing global challenge of our time.”
