The issue of the UAE-Nigeria visa ban has taken another twist, as popular Nigerian comedian Mr Macaroni Macaroni slams Government by expressing disappointment over the government’s handling of the situation. In a series of tweets, the comedian clarified his earlier comments in which he had commended the government’s efforts to resolve the ban. His clarification comes in the wake of conflicting reports between the Nigerian and UAE governments on the status of the visa ban.

In an interview granted yesterday, Mr Macaroni had praised the government for its efforts in some key areas, including the UAE-Nigeria visa ban. “It’s only fair to acknowledge the work the government is doing,” he said. However, he later took to Twitter to express his disappointment, stating that the resolution was misrepresented to the Nigerian public.

“For me, the dream is a better Nigeria, and I will always celebrate any good that speaks to the development of our country,” Mr Macaroni tweeted. He emphasised that while it’s the citizens’ right to demand accountability from their leaders, it’s also appropriate to commend them when they get things right. However, he warned that he would be “more careful with my nods to save myself from disappointments.”

Conflicting Reports Add to the Confusion

Earlier this week, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu met with UAE leader Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. According to a statement released by the Nigerian government, both leaders “finalized a historic agreement” that would pave the way for lifting the visa ban and resuming flights between the two countries. However, an official from the UAE contradicted these claims, stating, “There are no changes on the Nigeria/UAE travel status so far.”

The UAE had stopped issuing visas to Nigerian citizens last October and suspended flights between the two countries, citing trapped revenues amounting to $85 million. The emirate of Dubai has long been a popular destination for Nigerian travellers, making the ban a significant issue.

In a follow-up statement, Nigerian government spokesman Ajuri Ngelale said that officials from both countries needed more time to finalise the agreement details, contradicting his earlier statement. “Given the agreement struck between the two Heads of State, there is a need to allow cabinet officials from both sides to work out the finer details,” he said.

Mr Macaroni concluded his Twitter thread by reiterating his hope that the government would resolve the visa ban issue effectively. “I still hope the government gets this right for the sake of concerned Nigerians and the growth of the nation at large,” he said.

The comedian’s comments have added another layer to the ongoing dialogue about government accountability and the importance of clear communication between the administration and the public.

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