By Joy Omagha Idam
Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are poised to deepen their economic partnership as non-oil trade between both countries has risen to $5 billion, while the UAE’s largest financial institution, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), prepares to establish operations in Lagos.
The development was disclosed during a meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, in Abuja.
Ambassador Al-Shamsi revealed that non-oil trade between both nations grew significantly from $4.3 billion in 2024 to $5 billion in 2025, with projections indicating it could reach $8 billion by 2027. He described the growth as evidence of the expanding commercial ties and increasing confidence of investors in both economies.
In another major boost to bilateral relations, the envoy announced that the UAE’s national carrier, Etihad Airways, will commence flight operations to Abuja later this year, further strengthening connectivity between Nigeria and the Gulf nation.
The ambassador also disclosed that visa restrictions affecting Nigerian travellers have been substantially eased, noting that visa rejections for Nigerians are no longer an issue. According to him, more than 15,000 Nigerians visited the UAE within the last year following the relaxation of travel requirements.
He reaffirmed the UAE’s support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, stating that his country has consistently condemned terrorist attacks in Nigeria and has issued at least eight official statements expressing solidarity with the nation.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for Ambassador Al-Shamsi to deliver a congratulatory message from the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on the appointment of Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister.
Speaking during the engagement, Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with the UAE, particularly in attracting foreign direct investments from sovereign wealth funds and private sector investors.
She noted that the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed by both countries would further unlock opportunities for businesses, professionals and workers.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded in resolving visa-related concerns and expanding trade relations. She commended the UAE government for its commitment to improving bilateral ties and facilitating greater movement of people and investments between both countries.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also recalled that the UAE Deputy Prime Minister was the first foreign official to congratulate her following her elevation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Minister of Foreign Affairs, describing the gesture as a reflection of the strong and enduring relationship between the two nations.
She reiterated Nigeria’s determination to continue working closely with the UAE to advance diplomatic, economic and strategic cooperation, expressing confidence that the partnership would continue to grow from strength to strength in the years ahead.