The Federal Government of Nigeria has accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of double standard in the enforcement of its COVID-19 protocol for visitors.
The Nigerian government said UAE Government allowed citizens of other countries, including the Benin Republic and Ghana, to travel directly from their countries to Dubai and other cities, but disallowed Nigerian citizens.
The Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, made this known at a briefing by the Presidential Steering Committee on Monday.
Sirika said that the COVID-19 protocol set for Nigeria by UAE was not the same as what UAE announced for other nations, in spite of Nigeria’s achievements in the fight against the Coronavirus.
According to him, investigations revealed that the protocol set for Nigeria was different from that of other West African nations.
He said that was the reason many Nigerians traveled through the country’s neighbours, Benin Republic and Ghana.
“Nigeria has no issue with Emirates, but against the preferential treatment,” Sirika added.
However, the Chairman of The Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha frowned at the alleged adoption of double standards by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
He said the Federal Government would continue to dialogue with representatives of the UAE on the issue.
Mustapha said that protection of the interests of Nigerians remained the Nigerian Government’s primary focus.
“The Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Aviation will continue to dialogue with the representatives of the UAE to resolve the issue of Emirates flights between Nigeria and the UAE.
“Protection of the interest of Nigerians remains our primary focus,” he said.
