Nigeria and UAE Work to Implement Trade Partnership

The Government of Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates are working to strengthen bilateral relations following a significant increase in trade, which rose from $3 billion in previous years to $4.3 billion in 2024 and $5 billion in 2025.

During a high-level meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, and UAE Ambassador Salem Saeed Alshamsi discussed the implementation of the Nigeria-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). While the UAE has already ratified the agreement, Nigeria is currently completing internal processes for full implementation.

Beyond trade, the two nations focused on improving aviation connectivity, specifically the proposed launch of Emirates Airline operations in Abuja. Discussions also covered collaboration in artificial intelligence and digital technology, as well as the resolution of previous visa-related challenges to facilitate tourism and business travel. Nigeria intends to use the partnership to diversify its export markets and attract investment in energy, infrastructure, and financial services.