By Gabriel Ameh
Nigeria’s economic partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to witness further growth as the First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) prepares to establish operations in Lagos.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed that both countries are currently working towards implementing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), describing it as a major step that would strengthen trade relations and create new opportunities for Nigerian businesses, professionals and workers.
The UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, made this known during a courtesy visit to the minister in Abuja. He also revealed that Etihad Airways will commence flight operations to Abuja before the end of the year.
Nigeria and the UAE have maintained strong diplomatic relations since 1971, with growing cooperation in trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.
According to Ambassador Al-Shamsi, non-oil trade between both countries increased from $4.3 billion in 2024 to $5 billion in 2025, with projections indicating it could rise to $8 billion by 2027.
The envoy also announced that visa processes for Nigerians traveling to the UAE have been significantly eased, noting that visa rejections for Nigerian applicants have largely been resolved.
He disclosed that over 15,000 Nigerians visited the UAE within the last year following the easing of travel restrictions.
Al-Shamsi further reaffirmed the UAE’s support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, stating that the Gulf nation has consistently condemned terror attacks in the country.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the UAE ambassador to deliver a congratulatory letter from the UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu on her appointment as Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister.
Speaking during the meeting, Odumegwu-Ojukwu reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for foreign direct investment, including investments from UAE-based sovereign wealth funds and private companies.
She commended the progress made in resolving visa-related concerns and praised the increase in non-oil trade between both nations.
“A lot of the issues raised when I served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs have been resolved, especially regarding visas. The growth in non-oil trade from $4.3 billion to over $5 billion reflects the strong commitment of both countries to deepening bilateral relations,” she said.
The minister also appreciated the warm diplomatic gesture extended to her by the UAE leadership following her appointment.
She reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with the UAE across trade, investment, aviation and diplomacy.
