Africa
Nigeria-UAE Trade Hits $5bn as Economic Partnership Talks Advance
Bilateral trade between Nigeria and the UAE reached $5bn in 2025, with both countries seeking deeper investment, technology and economic cooperation.
Trade between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) climbed 66.7 percent in one year, reaching about $5 billion in 2025 compared with $3 billion recorded in 2024, reflecting stronger economic ties between the two countries.
The increase was disclosed during a meeting between UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Alshamsi, and Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, in Abuja.
A statement issued by Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa quoted Alshamsi as saying the UAE had ratified the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The ambassador expressed optimism that Nigeria’s completion of its domestic ratification process would pave the way for greater investment opportunities and deeper economic cooperation.
He said the CEPA could expand investment across sectors including manufacturing, services, energy and financial services.
Alshamsi further revealed that the UAE was consulting with Nigerian authorities over the proposed introduction of direct Emirates Airline flights to Abuja. The planned route is expected to improve connectivity for business and tourism between both countries.
Enikanolaiye welcomed the growth in bilateral trade, especially the expansion of non-oil economic activities, describing the development as consistent with Nigeria’s economic diplomacy strategy.
He assured the UAE delegation that the Federal Government remained committed to accelerating the CEPA process. He also urged the early meeting of the Nigeria-UAE Joint Commission to tackle outstanding matters affecting bilateral economic relations.
The minister said the partnership should not be limited to trade in goods, but should also cover investment, technology transfer and human capital development.
He pointed to artificial intelligence, digital technology and fintech as key areas with potential for deeper Nigeria-UAE collaboration.
According to him, technical cooperation, knowledge transfer and capacity-building programmes could provide Nigerian youths with the skills necessary to take advantage of opportunities in the digital economy.
The surge in trade comes at a time Nigeria is seeking to attract more foreign capital, diversify its economy and lessen its dependence on oil revenues.
The CEPA is expected to create a wider framework for boosting trade and investment, expanding market access and generating opportunities for businesses in both countries.
Nigeria and the UAE are expected to continue discussions towards completing their respective domestic processes and strengthening the institutional framework needed to implement the agreement.
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