Nigeria, UAE Eye Stronger Investment, Aviation Links

Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have renewed efforts to deepen bilateral relations, with both countries focusing on expanding trade, investment, aviation connectivity and cooperation in emerging technologies.

The move followed a meeting between the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, and the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Alshamsi, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to a statement on Thursday, August 20, by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the discussions covered bilateral trade and investment, economic cooperation, connectivity, emerging technologies and people-to-people relations.

Alshamsi congratulated Enikanolaiye on his appointment and expressed the UAE Embassy’s readiness to work with the ministry to advance areas of mutual interest.

The envoy highlighted the growth in trade between both countries, which rose from about $3 billion to $4.3 billion in 2024 and approximately $5 billion in 2025.

He expressed optimism that improved political relations would further boost trade and investment between Nigeria and the UAE.

A key issue discussed was the UAE-Nigeria Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which the UAE has already ratified.

The ambassador expressed hope that the completion of the agreement’s ratification process by Nigeria would further expand economic ties between the two countries.

The proposed commencement of Emirates Airline operations in Abuja was also discussed, with both sides reviewing ongoing consultations with relevant Nigerian authorities on strengthening air connectivity.

Enikanolaiye welcomed the UAE’s continued interest in Nigeria and the increase in non-oil trade and investment, describing stronger economic relations as consistent with Nigeria’s economic diplomacy priorities.

He said the government remained focused on diversifying export markets and promoting sectors including manufacturing, services, technology and fintech.

The minister also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to concluding the processes required for the implementation of CEPA and called for the early convening of the Nigeria-UAE Joint Commission.

According to the ministry, the commission would provide an opportunity for both countries to resolve outstanding issues and identify new areas of cooperation.

Nigeria and the UAE also identified artificial intelligence, digital technology and other emerging technologies as areas with significant potential for collaboration.

The Nigerian side expressed interest in UAE support for knowledge transfer, skills development and capacity building, particularly for young Nigerians.

The ministry said Nigeria also welcomed increased UAE investment in priority sectors such as infrastructure, technology, energy and financial services.

The meeting further addressed people-to-people relations and the movement of citizens between both countries.

Both sides welcomed progress in resolving previous visa-related challenges, which the ministry said would facilitate greater movement for business, investment, tourism and other purposes.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the two countries remained committed to consolidating their relationship, with sustained political engagement and stronger economic cooperation expected to deliver greater benefits to their citizens.