The United Arab Emirates has reaffirmed its long-term economic commitments to Nigeria, emphasizing growing trade volumes, deeper investment activity, and new opportunities in technology and infrastructure. UAE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Saeed Bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, stated that the relationship with Nigeria is increasingly shaped by long-term economic priorities rather than short-term external developments.
Nigeria as a Key Partner in Africa
Al Hajeri noted that Nigeria has become an increasingly important partner within the UAE's broader engagement across Africa, reflecting growing economic ties between the Gulf region and one of the continent's largest markets. He described the UAE-Nigeria partnership as defined by resilience and a shared vision for growth.
We see significant opportunities to deepen cooperation, particularly in infrastructure, logistics, energy, and other sectors that drive long-term economic development, he said.
Trade Growth and Diversification
Non-oil trade between the UAE and Nigeria has grown substantially, increasing from approximately $1.3 billion in 2020 to nearly $4.9 billion in 2025. This growth reflects broader diversification in economic engagement. Al Hajeri attributed this consistency to the UAE's globally connected economy and long-term investment approach.
This consistency is underpinned by the UAE's globally connected economy and one of the world's most competitive business environments, enabling us to navigate disruptions and safeguard both public and private sector investments, he added.
Infrastructure and Supply-Chain Resilience
Years of investment in infrastructure, logistics, and supply-chain resilience have helped maintain continuity across trade corridors and support stable commercial relationships across West Africa, according to the minister.
Next Phase: Innovation and Economic Transformation
Beyond trade, the UAE noted that the next phase of engagement with Nigeria will increasingly center on investment, innovation, and economic transformation. Al Hajeri highlighted that the UAE's partnerships across Africa now extend to more than 50 countries, covering sectors including sustainable energy, food security, infrastructure, education, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and healthcare.
That broader agenda is supported through trade and investment platforms designed to encourage deeper integration. The UAE-Nigeria partnership is evolving beyond trade toward long-term economic transformation, driven by innovation, technology, and strategic investment, within a framework of cooperation that fosters mutual prosperity for our peoples, Al Hajeri said.
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements
He pointed to the UAE's expanding Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement programme, which now includes agreements across ten African economies and is intended to support stronger investment and commercial connectivity.
In parallel, the UAE has launched its USD 1 billion AI for Development in Africa initiative, announced at the G20 Summit in South Africa, aimed at supporting projects that strengthen digital ecosystems, expand economic opportunities, and accelerate sustainable development.
