By Joy Omagha Idam
Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have renewed their commitment to building stronger economic, diplomatic and people-to-people relations, with both countries exploring new opportunities in trade, investment, technology, aviation and skills development.
The renewed commitment came to the fore when the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, received the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Salem Saeed Alshamsi, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to review the progress of their longstanding bilateral relationship and identify practical areas where cooperation can deliver greater benefits to citizens and businesses in both countries.
One of the major issues discussed was the remarkable growth in bilateral trade. According to the UAE side, trade between Nigeria and the UAE rose from about US$3 billion to US$4.3 billion in 2024, before reaching approximately US$5 billion in 2025.
For Nigeria, the figures represent an opportunity to move beyond traditional economic ties and attract greater investment into manufacturing, services, technology, fintech and other sectors capable of creating jobs and expanding the country’s export base.
A key focus of the discussions was the Nigeria-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The UAE Ambassador disclosed that the agreement had been ratified by the UAE and expressed optimism that the completion of the necessary processes on the Nigerian side would open a new chapter in bilateral trade and investment.
The Nigerian government, on its part, reaffirmed its commitment to completing the required processes for the implementation of CEPA.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye also called for the early convening of the Nigeria-UAE Joint Commission, which would provide a platform for both countries to resolve outstanding matters and explore fresh areas of cooperation.
Beyond trade and investment, technology emerged as another important pillar of the evolving relationship.
Nigeria expressed interest in expanding cooperation with the UAE in artificial intelligence, digital technology and other emerging technologies, with particular emphasis on knowledge transfer, skills development and capacity building for young Nigerians.
Such collaboration, officials noted, could help equip Nigeria’s growing youth population with the skills required to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
The UAE was also encouraged to increase investment in Nigeria’s priority sectors, including infrastructure, technology, energy and financial services.
Another development that could strengthen relations between the two countries is the proposed commencement of Emirates Airline operations in Abuja. Both sides discussed ongoing consultations with relevant Nigerian authorities aimed at improving aviation connectivity.
For Nigerians and UAE residents alike, improved air connectivity could make business travel, tourism, investment and family visits easier and more convenient.
The meeting also touched on people-to-people relations, particularly the progress made in resolving previous visa-related challenges. Both countries welcomed the prospect of easier movement, which is expected to support business, investment, tourism and other legitimate activities.
The UAE Ambassador congratulated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye on his appointment and expressed the Embassy’s readiness to work closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in advancing shared interests.
At the end of the meeting, both countries expressed confidence that sustained political engagement, stronger economic cooperation and closer institutional collaboration would further transform the cordial Nigeria-UAE relationship.
For Nigeria, the partnership presents an opportunity to attract more capital, technology and expertise while opening wider markets for Nigerian businesses. For the UAE, Nigeria remains one of Africa’s most significant economies and an important partner in the continent.
As both countries look towards the future, the emphasis appears clear: turning strong diplomatic relations into tangible economic opportunities and better prospects for the people of Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.
— Joy Omagha Idam
Weekenders Magazine