By Ayomide Otitoju
Non-oil trade between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) rose to $5 billion in 2025, reflecting strengthening economic and diplomatic relations between both countries.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Magnus Eze, on Sunday, quoting the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, during a visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in Abuja.
Al-Shamsi said trade between both nations grew from $4.3 billion in 2024 to $5 billion in 2025, with projections indicating it could reach $8 billion by 2027 if current engagement levels are sustained.
He also announced that First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) is expected to commence operations in Lagos soon, while Etihad Airways is set to begin flights to Abuja later in the year, developments he said would further boost commercial and investment ties.
On visa relations, the envoy stated that challenges faced by Nigerian travellers had been significantly reduced, adding that visa rejections had been largely eliminated and over 15,000 Nigerians travelled to the UAE within the past year following eased restrictions.
Al-Shamsi further reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, noting that the Gulf nation has issued multiple statements condemning attacks in the country.
During the visit, he also delivered a congratulatory letter from UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Odumegwu-Ojukwu on her appointment as Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister.
Speaking at the meeting, Odumegwu-Ojukwu welcomed the progress in bilateral relations, particularly improvements in visa processing and trade expansion, describing the developments as evidence of deepening cooperation.
She also highlighted ongoing efforts to implement the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) recently signed between both countries, noting that it would enhance investment flows, business opportunities and economic cooperation.
Nigeria, she added, remains committed to providing an enabling environment for foreign direct investment from UAE sovereign wealth funds and private sector partners.
