By Editor
Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with both countries seeking to expand cooperation in trade, investment, technology, aviation and other strategic areas.
The commitment was made on Wednesday when the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, received the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Alshamsi, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
The meeting focused on developments in bilateral trade and investment, economic cooperation, connectivity, emerging technologies and people-to-people relations.
Alshamsi congratulated Enikanolaiye on his appointment and expressed the UAE Embassy’s readiness to work closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to advance the shared interests of both countries.
He noted the steady growth in Nigeria-UAE trade, which rose from about $3 billion to $4.3 billion in 2024 and approximately $5 billion in 2025.
The ambassador expressed optimism that improved political relations would further drive trade and investment between the two countries.
Discussions also centred on the Nigeria-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which has already been ratified by the UAE.
Alshamsi expressed hope that the completion of the agreement’s ratification process in Nigeria would pave the way for greater trade and investment opportunities.
He also disclosed that consultations were ongoing with relevant Nigerian authorities ahead of the proposed commencement of Emirates Airline operations in Abuja, describing improved aviation connectivity as critical to strengthening relations between the two countries.
In his remarks, Enikanolaiye appreciated the UAE for its continued commitment to Nigeria and welcomed the growth recorded in non-oil trade and investment.
He said stronger economic ties aligned with Nigeria’s economic diplomacy priorities, particularly efforts to diversify export markets and promote manufacturing, services, technology and fintech.
The Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to concluding the necessary processes for the implementation of CEPA and called for the early convening of the Nigeria-UAE Joint Commission to resolve outstanding issues and identify fresh areas of cooperation.
Both sides also identified artificial intelligence, digital technology and other emerging technologies as areas with significant potential for deeper collaboration.
Nigeria expressed interest in knowledge transfer, skills development and capacity building, especially for young Nigerians, while welcoming increased UAE investments in priority sectors including infrastructure, technology, energy and financial services.
The meeting also addressed people-to-people relations, with both countries welcoming progress in resolving previous visa-related challenges.
They noted that improved visa arrangements would facilitate greater movement between Nigeria and the UAE for business, investment, tourism and other activities.
Both sides expressed confidence that sustained political engagement, stronger economic cooperation and closer institutional collaboration would further strengthen the Nigeria-UAE partnership and deliver greater benefits to citizens of both countries.
