President Bola Tinubu has announced that Nigeria will partner with the United Arab Emirates to co-host the global Investopia summit in Lagos this February, following the signing of a landmark trade agreement between both nations.
The President made the announcement at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, where Nigeria and the UAE concluded a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aimed at deepening cooperation in renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, and digital trade.
President Tinubu described the pact as a historic accord that will strengthen collaboration in aviation, agriculture, and climate-smart infrastructure, creating lasting opportunities for citizens of both countries.
The agreement was signed in the presence of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.
According to the President, Investopia Lagos will bring together global investors, innovators, policymakers, and business leaders to transform opportunities into concrete commitments and ideas into bankable investments.
“We warmly invite our partners to join us and help build the next chapter of sustainable and shared prosperity for Nigeria, Africa, and the world,” President Tinubu said in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
At the summit, President Tinubu revealed that Nigeria aims to mobilize up to $30 billion annually in climate and green industrial finance as it accelerates energy transition reforms and expands electricity access nationwide.
The President called for a fundamental shift in global financial architecture, moving away from restrictive sovereign guarantee requirements that penalize developing economies. He advocated for blended finance and first-loss capital mechanisms to allow private sustainable capital to flow directly into green projects.
President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s strengthened climate governance framework through the National Carbon Market Activation Policy and the launch of a National Carbon Registry, designed to improve transparency and boost investor confidence.
He emphasized the Electricity Act 2023 as central to Nigeria’s energy reforms, enabling decentralized power generation and distribution to underserved communities.
Nigeria’s climate investment initiatives include a $500 million distributed renewable energy fund backed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority and a $750 million World Bank programme expected to expand clean electricity access to more than 17.5 million people.
The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 under its Energy Transition Plan while pursuing industrial growth and universal energy access.
President Tinubu invited foreign investors to partner with Nigeria in the lithium and critical minerals value chain, stressing that the government will prioritize local processing and value addition to maximize job creation and technology transfer.
He pointed to tangible gains from ongoing economic reforms, including 21 percent growth in non-oil exports, increased capital importation, and over $50 billion in investment commitments across key sectors.
“We are ready to work with partners across the world to ensure that the next era of development is not only green and inclusive, but just and enduring,” the President said.
READ ALSO:
- Space42 Brings Thuraya-4 Satellite Communications to South Africa
- South Africa disconnects electricity to Nigerian high commission amid billing dispute
- Julius Rone Clinches Investor of the Year, Eyes 2026 for Nigeria’s First FLNG
- Polaris Bank Boosts MSME Export Capacity Through NAHCO/NACCIMA Partnership
- Westpaq International Unveils Cutting-Edge Energy Training Hub in Lagos
