By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
Nigeria’s economic ties with the United Arab Emirates continue to grow as non-oil trade between both countries hits 5 billion dollars, while First Abu Dhabi Bank has opened its Lagos office. Etihad Airlines will also begin Abuja operations this year.
In a statement, Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the UAE Ambassador say both countries are working to implement their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to boost trade and investment.
This was disclosed when the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, paid a visit to Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
He said non-oil trade grew from 4.3 billion dollars in 2024 to 5 billion dollars in 2025 and is projected to hit 8 billion dollars by 2027.
He also announced that visa restrictions for Nigerians have been eased, with over 15,000 Nigerians travelling to the UAE in the last one year.
Al-Shamsi added that Etihad Airlines will commence direct flights to Abuja this year, and First Abu Dhabi Bank has opened in Lagos.
Bianca Ojukwu restated Nigeria’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for UAE investments, including sovereign wealth funds.
The Minister said both countries remain committed to moving bilateral ties from strength to strength.
