Emirates is gearing up to resume operations in Nigeria, marking a significant development in Africa’s largest economy. Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, confirmed this news, highlighting the pivotal role played by President Bola Tinubu in resolving the rift between Emirates and Nigeria.
In an interview with Arise TV, Minister Keyamo shared that Emirates has officially communicated its readiness to resume operations in Nigeria by sending a letter to the country. While an official resumption date is yet to be announced, the airline’s proactive steps indicate progress toward this goal.
“I just received a letter from Emirates confirming their readiness to resume flights in Nigeria. They’ve navigated through the necessary procedures and are prepared to return. The announcement of the resumption date will follow as they secure aircraft for the route,” Minister Keyamo stated. He further revealed that discussions regarding Emirates’ return began following the Dubai Airshow in November 2023, where he engaged with the airline’s executives.
Acknowledging President Tinubu’s diplomatic efforts, Minister Keyamo emphasized the role played by the Nigerian president in facilitating this reconciliation. “President Tinubu’s diplomatic shuttle was instrumental in resolving the issues, making the resumption possible. This isn’t mere speculation; we’ve received official confirmation that all hurdles have been cleared, and Emirates is eager to come back. We anticipate this happening possibly before June,” he added.
Emirates had ceased its operations in Nigeria in October 2022 due to challenges in repatriating funds accumulated in the country, amounting to $85 billion. However, with the recent developments and collaborative efforts, the airline is poised to resume its services in Nigeria, signaling a positive turn in the relationship between Emirates and the Nigerian aviation sector.
