Non-oil trade between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) rose to $5 billion in 2025, up from $4.3 billion recorded in 2024, according to the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi.
The ambassador disclosed this during a visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in Abuja, where both officials reviewed the growing partnership between the two countries.
Al-Shamsi said the increase in trade reflects stronger economic cooperation and expanding business activities between Nigeria and the UAE. He projected that trade volume could reach $8 billion by 2027 if the current momentum is sustained.
As part of efforts to strengthen commercial relations, the envoy announced that First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) is set to commence operations in Lagos. The move is expected to boost investment opportunities and facilitate greater financial cooperation between both nations.
He also revealed that Etihad Airways will begin flights to Abuja later this year, further enhancing connectivity and business exchanges between Nigeria and the UAE.
On visa-related concerns, Al-Shamsi noted that significant progress had been made in addressing challenges faced by Nigerian travellers. According to him, Nigerians are no longer experiencing widespread visa rejections when applying to visit the UAE.
He added that more than 15,000 Nigerians travelled to the UAE over the past year following the easing of visa restrictions, demonstrating renewed confidence in travel between both countries.
The ambassador further reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, noting that the Gulf nation has consistently condemned terrorist attacks in Nigeria and issued several statements in solidarity with the country.
During the meeting, Al-Shamsi presented a congratulatory message from the 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.
Responding, Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed satisfaction with the progress made in resolving visa issues and strengthening bilateral relations.
She commended the UAE for helping to increase non-oil trade from $4.3 billion in 2024 to over $5 billion in 2025, describing it as evidence of the commitment of both countries to deepening economic cooperation.
The minister reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to attract more foreign direct investment, including investments from UAE sovereign wealth funds and private-sector investors.
She also highlighted ongoing efforts to implement the recently signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), saying the pact would further strengthen economic ties and create new opportunities for businesses, professionals and workers in both countries.
According to her, the agreement is expected to unlock greater trade, investment and economic collaboration, paving the way for a stronger and more productive Nigeria-UAE partnership.
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