The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy has distanced itself from an article published by African Travel Times on July 12, 2025, describing the publication as “misrepresentative” and not reflective of Nigeria’s foreign or diplomatic stance.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy has distanced itself from an article published by African Travel Times on July 12, 2025, describing the publication as “misrepresentative” and not reflective of Nigeria’s foreign or diplomatic stance.
The article, titled “A Bitter Irony: UAE’s Sanctions Undermine African Trust After Africa-Backed Win for UN Tourism Role,” suggested that recent visa-related developments between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were causing diplomatic strain.
In a statement signed by the Honourable Minister, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, and issued Wednesday in Abuja, the Ministry stated categorically that the views expressed in the article do not represent the position of the Minister, the Ministry, or the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates enjoy cordial and mutually beneficial relations, especially in areas of tourism development and cultural exchange,” the statement said.
The Ministry further clarified that the Federal Government has not received any official notification regarding changes to the UAE’s visa policy, adding that visa processing for Nigerian nationals was proceeding in an orderly fashion.
It urged the publishers of African Travel Times to retract the article in order to avoid misleading the public and misrepresenting Nigeria’s diplomatic relations.
“The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to international tourism cooperation and partnerships rooted in trust, diplomacy, and mutual respect,” the statement added.