Nigeria and UAE’s non‑oil trade reached $5 billion in 2025, says envoy.

•Etihad Airways to begin Abuja operations, Abu Dhabi Bank opens Lagos office
By Favour Ulebor

Abuja – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al‑Shamsi, announced that non‑oil trade between the two countries rose to $5 billion in 2025.

In a statement signed by Dr. Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the ministry said Al‑Shamsi made the disclosure during a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu‑Ojukwu, in Abuja.

Al‑Shamsi noted that non‑oil trade grew from $4.3 billion in 2024 to $5 billion in 2025, signalling deeper economic cooperation. He added that, if the current trajectory continues, trade could reach about $8 billion by 2027.

The ambassador also mentioned that First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) will soon open an office in Lagos, a development expected to strengthen business and investment links. He further informed the minister that Etihad Airways will commence flights to Abuja later this year.

Addressing visa issues, Al‑Shamsi said that challenges faced by Nigerian travellers had been largely resolved, and Nigerians no longer encounter visa rejections when applying to visit the UAE. He added that more than 15,000 Nigerians travelled to the UAE in the past year following the easing of visa restrictions.

Al‑Shamsi reiterated the UAE’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in counter‑terrorism efforts, noting that his country has issued at least eight statements condemning terrorist attacks in Nigeria.

The meeting also provided an occasion for the ambassador to deliver a congratulatory letter from UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Odumegwu‑Ojukwu on her appointment.

During the meeting, Odumegwu‑Ojukwu expressed satisfaction with the progress made in resolving visa‑related concerns. She said: “I am happy to say that a lot of the issues raised when I was minister of state for foreign affairs have been resolved in less than a year, especially regarding visas.”

She added: “In addition, you have been able to move the non‑oil trade volume between both countries from $4.3 billion in 2024 to over $5 billion in 2025. This shows your commitment and unrelenting effort in deepening our bilateral relations.”

Odumegwu‑Ojukwu also stated that Nigeria remains committed to creating an enabling environment for foreign direct investment, including from UAE‑based sovereign wealth funds and private sector entities. She noted that both countries are working toward implementing the recently signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which will strengthen economic ties and create opportunities for businesses, professionals, and workers.

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