Nigeria-UAE Non-Oil Trade Hits $5 Billion as Economic Ties Deepen
Nigeria-UAE Non-Oil Trade Hits $5 Billion as Economic Ties Deepen
Nigeria-UAE Non-Oil Trade Hits $5 Billion as Economic Ties Deepen
Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have recorded significant growth in bilateral economic relations, with non-oil trade between both countries reaching $5 billion in 2025.
The development was disclosed during a meeting in Abuja between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, and the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi.
According to the ambassador, non-oil trade between the two countries increased from $4.3 billion in 2024 to $5 billion in 2025 and is projected to rise to $8 billion by 2027.
Al-Shamsi said both countries are working to implement their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which is expected to further boost trade, investment and economic cooperation.
He also announced that visa restrictions for Nigerians have been eased, noting that more than 15,000 Nigerians travelled to the UAE within the past year.
The ambassador further revealed that Etihad Airways will commence direct flight operations to Abuja later this year, while First Abu Dhabi Bank has officially opened an office in Lagos to support growing business activities between both nations.
Speaking during the meeting, Minister Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for foreign investments, including investments from UAE-based companies and sovereign wealth funds.
She emphasized that the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening economic, diplomatic and commercial relations with the UAE for the mutual benefit of both countries.
The minister noted that the growing trade figures, increased connectivity and expanding investment opportunities reflect the strong partnership between Nigeria and the UAE.
Both sides expressed optimism that ongoing collaborations and the implementation of key bilateral agreements would further deepen economic ties and open new opportunities for businesses and investors in the years ahead.
Nigeria-UAE Non-Oil Trade Hits $5 Billion as Economic Ties Deepen
