Wike Initiates Collaboration with UAE to Elevate Abuja as a Premier Tourism Destination

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called for collaboration with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to enhance the tourism potential of Abuja. Wike presented this proposal during a meeting with the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shami, in preparation for President Bola Tinubu's upcoming visit to the UAE for the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) scheduled between November 30 and December 12 at Expo City, Dubai.

Expressing a vision for Abuja to become a prominent tourist destination akin to Dubai, Wike welcomed discussions on leveraging tourism as an economic avenue for both nations. He emphasized the willingness of the Federal Capital Territory to engage in partnership and discussions during President Tinubu's visit to explore the potential collaboration.

Wike conveyed optimism about the improving relationship between Nigeria and the UAE, highlighting the importance of tourism as an economic driver. He stated, "I am glad that the relationship is getting better and better than what it used to be. I know for the President, governance is business, and whatever that is going to make Nigeria great is what he is going to stand for. So we are here as his foot soldiers to complement his effort to seeing that his renewed hope agenda is fulfilled."

Additionally, Wike urged the UAE authorities to address visa restrictions on Nigerians and resolve flight-related issues between Nigerian authorities and Emirates. He emphasized the need to facilitate travel for genuine visitors to Dubai for both tourism and business purposes.

In response, Ambassador Al-Shami expressed his enthusiasm for Nigerians and acknowledged the significance of President Tinubu's visit to Dubai for the COP28 edition. He anticipated that the President's visit would be a significant and positive development for both nations.