Nigeria-UAE Non-Oil Trade Hits $5bn as First Abu Dhabi Bank Opens in Lagos Writing
Oru Leonard
ABUJA, May 31, 2026 — Nigeria’s economic and diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) received a major boost as non-oil trade between both countries rose to $5 billion in 2025, while the First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) prepares to commence operations in Lagos.
The UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in Abuja.
Al-Shamsi also announced that Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national carrier, would begin flight operations to Abuja later this year, further strengthening connectivity and business ties between the two nations.
According to the envoy, non-oil trade between Nigeria and the UAE increased from $4.3 billion in 2024 to $5 billion in 2025, with projections indicating that the figure could rise to about $8 billion by 2027.
He attributed the growth to expanding trade relations, investment partnerships and increasing people-to-people exchanges between both countries.
The ambassador further revealed that visa restrictions for Nigerian travellers had been significantly eased, noting that visa rejections were no longer being experienced by Nigerians travelling to the UAE.
He disclosed that more than 15,000 Nigerians visited the UAE in the past year following the relaxation of travel restrictions.
Al-Shamsi also reaffirmed his country’s support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, stating that the UAE had issued at least eight statements condemning terrorist attacks in Nigeria.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the ambassador to present a congratulatory letter from the UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu on her appointment as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Speaking during the meeting, Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded in bilateral relations, particularly in resolving visa-related concerns and expanding trade cooperation.
She noted that the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed by both countries would further deepen economic relations and create opportunities for Nigerian businesses, professionals and workers.
The minister reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for foreign direct investment, including investments from UAE sovereign wealth funds and private sector entities.
“I am happy to say that many of the issues raised when I served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs have been resolved in less than a year, especially regarding visas,” she said.
She commended the UAE’s role in increasing non-oil trade volumes and strengthening bilateral cooperation, describing the development as evidence of both countries’ commitment to mutually beneficial relations.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also recalled that the UAE Deputy Prime Minister was among the first foreign dignitaries to congratulate her following her elevation by President Bola Tinubu to the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs.
She reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to continue working closely with the UAE to advance diplomatic, economic and strategic cooperation for the benefit of both nations.
