The United Arab Emirates (UAE) President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has officially accepted an invitation from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to visit Nigeria later this year. This landmark visit aims to enhance the already robust economic relationship between the two nations.
The announcement follows a recent meeting between President Tinubu and President Sheikh Mohamed during their participation in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025. Both leaders discussed various avenues for collaboration, focusing on trade, investment, and innovation. President Tinubu highlighted the positive outcomes of Nigeria's ongoing economic reforms and expressed a desire for deeper partnerships with the UAE to further stimulate growth and development in Nigeria.
In a statement, President Tinubu remarked, "The UAE is not just a key trading partner; it is a vital ally in our pursuit of economic transformation. We look forward to welcoming President Sheikh Mohamed and exploring new opportunities that will benefit both our nations."
The UAE has emerged as Nigeria's most important trading partner in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, with non-oil trade between the two countries reaching approximately $2.4 billion in 2022. Key exports from Nigeria to the UAE include gold, spices, and wood coal, while the UAE exports refined oil, broadcasting equipment, and automobiles to Nigeria.