President Tinubu Returns Following Key UAE Economic Deal

President Bola Tinubu returned to the nation’s capital on Saturday after a nearly three-week period abroad, which included official engagements at an international sustainability forum in Abu Dhabi.

The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the return in a statement.

During his trip, President Tinubu led Nigeria’s delegation to the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, a major global summit focused on climate action and clean energy. A central outcome of his attendance was the signing of a significant trade pact with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement is designed to significantly deepen economic ties between the two nations. Key provisions include duty-free access for a wide range of Nigerian exports into the UAE market, which officials state will boost trade, investment, and cooperation in sectors such as energy, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, signed the agreement on behalf of the country, with both President Tinubu and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan present at the ceremony.

Minister Oduwole highlighted that the deal would facilitate greater global market access for Nigerian exporters and ease business establishment for Nigerian companies in the UAE.

Addressing the summit, President Tinubu outlined Nigeria’s financial strategy for climate and energy goals, announcing plans to mobilize up to $30 billion annually in green industrial finance. He also revealed a forthcoming Nigeria-UAE investment summit scheduled for Lagos in February, aimed at fostering new economic partnerships.

The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, which Nigeria has now attended for two consecutive years, serves as a key platform for international dialogue on sustainability and energy transition.