Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State, has met Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja as the two countries seek to accelerate trade, investment and strategic co-operation across several high-growth sectors.The talks at the State House on July 7 covered economic relations, energy, infrastructure, logistics, technology and innovation. Both sides examined opportunities arising from the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement signed by the UAE and Nigeria in January 2026, which is intended to reduce trade barriers and encourage private-sector investment.
Sheikh Shakhboot said the UAE remained committed to strengthening co-operation with Nigeria and identifying projects that would serve the interests of both countries. The meeting reflected growing diplomatic engagement between Abu Dhabi and Abuja after several years of disruption to travel and aviation links.
The partnership agreement has become the central framework for their economic relationship. It provides broader market access for goods and services, streamlines customs procedures and supports collaboration in renewable energy, aviation, agriculture, logistics, financial services and the digital economy.
Non-oil trade between the two countries reached about $4.3 billion in 2024. A further $3.1 billion was recorded during the first nine months of 2025, highlighting Nigeria’s importance to the UAE’s expanding commercial strategy in Africa.
Nigeria offers a consumer market of more than 230 million people and significant reserves of oil, natural gas and solid minerals. The UAE, meanwhile, provides access to capital, logistics networks and international markets through its ports, airlines and financial centres.
Energy is expected to remain a major area of engagement. Nigeria is seeking foreign investment to expand gas production, electricity generation and renewable-energy capacity while reducing infrastructure bottlenecks. Its efforts include a planned $3 billion floating liquefied natural gas project designed to produce 1.8 million tonnes annually.
A 15-year agreement has been secured to supply the proposed facility with 200 million standard cubic feet of gas a day from the Yoho field. A final investment decision is expected during the fourth quarter of 2026, making the project a potential target for financiers and energy companies seeking exposure to Africa’s gas market.
Infrastructure and logistics were also prominent in the Abuja discussions. Nigeria needs substantial investment in ports, roads, railways, warehousing and electricity networks to lower the cost of doing business. UAE companies have developed extensive experience operating transport hubs and industrial zones across Africa, creating scope for partnerships linked to export corridors and urban development.
Technology offers another route for expansion. Nigeria has one of Africa’s largest digital economies, supported by a young population, widespread mobile use and a growing financial-technology industry. Cooperation could include data centres, artificial intelligence, digital payments, cybersecurity and services for small businesses.
The meeting followed earlier engagements between the countries’ leaders. President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Tinubu held talks in Abu Dhabi in September 2023, while Sheikh Shakhboot met the Nigerian president during an African energy summit in Tanzania in January 2025. Tinubu again met Sheikh Mohamed in Abu Dhabi in January 2026 as the partnership agreement was signed.
Relations had previously been strained by a dispute involving trapped airline revenues, the suspension of Emirates services and visa restrictions affecting Nigerian travellers. An agreement announced in July 2024 cleared the way for travel links to be restored, helping remove a significant obstacle to business and tourism.
The revival of direct aviation links strengthened cargo connectivity between Lagos and Dubai, particularly for agricultural goods, manufactured products and time-sensitive shipments. Dubai also serves as a transit point for Nigerian companies trading with Asia, Europe and other Middle Eastern markets.
Nigeria is seeking investment beyond hydrocarbons as it attempts to increase exports, create employment and stabilise public finances. Agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, minerals and creative industries have been identified as areas where Nigerian businesses could benefit from easier access to the UAE market.
Topics
Live News