Non-oil trade between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has maintained strong growth momentum, rising from $4.3 billion in 2024 to an estimated $5 billion in 2025, reflecting deepening economic engagement and growing investor confidence between both countries.
This development was highlighted during a high-level meeting in Abuja between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, where both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to expanding cooperation in aviation, security, trade, and investment.
A key outcome of the engagement was the planned commencement of operations by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) in Lagos, a development expected to deepen financial sector integration and enhance investor confidence in Nigeria’s economy.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to sustaining a stable and attractive investment climate, the Minister stated:
“Nigeria remains firmly committed to creating an enabling environment for foreign direct investment. We continue to undertake reforms that strengthen transparency, improve ease of doing business, and encourage long-term partnerships with credible international investors.”
On aviation and mobility, the Minister emphasized ongoing progress in improving connectivity between both countries, noting that recent diplomatic engagements have helped address earlier travel restrictions.
“Through sustained dialogue and engagement, visa-related challenges have been significantly addressed. This has already reflected in increased movement, with over 15,000 Nigerians travelling to the UAE since the easing of restrictions,” he said.
He further disclosed that Etihad Airways is expected to commence operations in Abuja soon, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening air connectivity, boosting tourism, and facilitating business travel between both nations.
On security cooperation, the Minister commended the UAE for its consistent support in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts and its continued condemnation of terrorist attacks within the country.
“The UAE has remained a dependable partner in our collective fight against terrorism. Their consistent support and condemnation of violent extremism reinforce our shared commitment to regional and global security,” he added.
The meeting also featured the presentation of a congratulatory letter from UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, further reinforcing the depth of diplomatic relations between both countries.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining high-level engagement and translating shared priorities into concrete outcomes across key strategic sectors.