The Director General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Professor Ayo Omotayo has expressed displeasure over the visa application ban on Nigerians by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
He urged Nigerians to ban themselves from going to Dubai, that he sees no big deal going to the Arab nation either for business or pleasure.
Omotayo stated this while delivering his goodwill message on Monday at the leadership and management retreat for the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment at NIPSS Kuru, Plateau State.
“I have been to Dubai several times. I don’t see any big deal going to Dubai. As Nigerians that have self pride, we should ban ourselves from.going to Dubai.
“Is it the hotel or sea that is not in anywhere in the world? I don’t think we should be at the mouth of any country.
” We have what it takes to be better than Dubai, the Emirates did not make the place themselves, it is a combination of people from all walks life that made Dubai. We should give ourselves self-ban, we have nothing to lose,” he said.
Recall that the United Arab Emirates Immigration authorities had announced total rejection of visa applications from Nigerians.
In a notice issued to its trade partners in Nigeria, the Dubai authorities declared that “all Dubai applications submitted are now rejected”.
No reason was however given for the ban.
“All Dubai applications submitted are now rejected. It is general for Nigerians and approvals are on hold at the moment.
“Kindly advise your clients to resubmit C2=A0 applications when the issue is resolved between both governments,” the notice to Nigerian travel agents declared.
