Nigeria Celebrates End of UAE Visa Ban

Good morning, and a warm welcome to ThinkBusiness Africa, your Monday – Friday dose of commentary, contexts, and insights on business and economic news that matter to you.

Remember to visit https://tb.africa/ to continue to enjoy the second phase of our media services development. Also remember to share your feedback.

ThinkBusiness Africa thank you.

Please, also share so we can continue to build a community of “business thinkers”.

Headlines

Nigeria Celebrates End of UAE Visa Ban - Nigerians rejoiced on Monday as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) lifted its two-year visa ban. Effective immediately, Nigerians can once again travel to the Middle Eastern nation. This move follows successful negotiations between the two governments, resolving diplomatic tensions and financial disputes. The visa ban and halted flights from Dubai had caused frustration for Nigerians. News of the reversal sparked positive reactions online, with many commending the government's efforts. The UAE imposed the ban due to a mix of diplomatic issues and financial concerns, specifically related to airline revenue. The Nigerian government addressed these concerns through talks and reportedly settled a significant portion of the outstanding debt. While Nigerians can now apply for UAE visas, the specifics of the "updated controls and conditions" are yet to be announced. Travellers can find more information on the UAE government website (documentverificationhub.ae). This positive development paves the way for resumed travel and stronger relations between the two countries.

ESRI User Conference Lands in Abuja - The NAF Conference Centre in Abuja, Nigeria is gearing up for a landmark event: the ESRI User Conference West Africa 2024. This premier gathering (September 10-11) unites GIS professionals, academics, and industry leaders across the region.

To register for the Esri User Conference West Africa 2024, please click the link:  https://africabusinessconvention.com/event/esri-user-conference-west-africa-2024/

The conference highlights the growing importance of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for sectors like infrastructure, environment, disaster response, and urban planning. Attendees will gain hands-on experience with the latest ArcGIS software, hear from renowned speakers, and participate in networking sessions to forge partnerships and share best practices. This event marks a pivotal moment for West African geospatial technology. Increased satellite imagery, proliferation of GPS-enabled devices, and open-source software like QGIS have democratized GIS data and fueled innovation. The ESRI User Conference serves as a springboard for the future. By bringing stakeholders together, showcasing advancements, and fostering collaboration, the event empowers participants to leverage GIS for a brighter future. read more

Food Prices Soar in Nigeria Despite Government Efforts - Despite government efforts to boost local food production, prices for staples like garri, bread, and yam have skyrocketed. Data from June 2024 shows these essential items are the most expensive they've ever been, contributing significantly to the overall food inflation rate that hit a staggering 40.87%. Experts point to a complex web of challenges behind this surge. Worsening insecurity disrupts farming activities in many areas, making it difficult and dangerous for farmers to cultivate crops. Climate change is also playing a role, impacting crop yields and overall agricultural productivity. Additionally, the rising cost of agricultural inputs like fertilizers and pesticides further squeezes margins for farmers. The impact is clear at the grocery store. The price of a painter of garri has nearly doubled since March, and bread and yam haven't been spared either. This is putting a strain on household budgets across the country. So, what can be done? Experts urge the government to address these issues holistically. They recommend tackling insecurity to create a safer environment for farmers, implementing measures to reduce post-harvest losses, and investing in infrastructure and technology improvements throughout the agricultural value chain. We'll continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated. In the meantime, it might be wise to explore cost-saving strategies at the grocery store or consider trying some new, budget-friendly recipes.

Upcoming Event