Nigeria-UAE Non-Oil Trade Rises to $5bn in 2025

Nigeria’s non-oil trade with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reached $5 billion in 2025, up from $4.3 billion 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. He said the increase reflects stronger economic cooperation and growing business activities between both countries.

Al-Shamsi expressed optimism that non-oil trade could rise further to about $8 billion by 2027 if the current level of engagement and collaboration is sustained.

As part of efforts to deepen economic relations, the ambassador revealed that First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) is set to commence operations in Lagos soon. He noted that the bank’s entry into the Nigerian market would boost investment opportunities and strengthen financial ties between the two nations.

He also announced that Etihad Airways plans to begin flight operations to Abuja later this year, a move expected to improve connectivity and facilitate business and tourism exchanges.

Addressing concerns over visa access, Al-Shamsi said most of the challenges previously faced by Nigerian travellers had been resolved. According to him, Nigerians no longer experience widespread visa rejections when applying to visit the UAE.

The envoy disclosed that more than 15,000 Nigerians travelled to the UAE in the past year following the easing of visa restrictions, highlighting the growing movement of people between both countries.

On security cooperation, he reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s fight against terrorism. He noted that the UAE has issued at least eight statements condemning terrorist attacks in Nigeria and remains supportive of efforts to tackle insecurity.

During the meeting, Al-Shamsi also delivered a congratulatory letter 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.

In her remarks, Odumegwu-Ojukwu welcomed the progress made in resolving visa-related issues and praised the growing economic partnership between the two countries.

She noted that the increase in non-oil trade from $4.3 billion in 2024 to over $5 billion in 2025 demonstrates the commitment of both nations to strengthening bilateral relations.

The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to creating a favourable environment for 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), describing it as a key framework for expanding trade, investment, and economic opportunities for businesses, professionals, and workers in both countries.

According to the minister, the agreement is expected to further strengthen economic cooperation and unlock new areas of partnership between Nigeria and the UAE.