The Nation Newspaper

Tag: UAE

  • Nigeria, UAE jointly waive off tariffs on some products

    Nigeria, UAE jointly waive off tariffs on some products

    Federal Government signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to remove tariffs on some products.

    Rep. Sam Onuigbo a member of the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday said that the game changer in Abu Dhabi was CEPA which Nigeria signed with UAE at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week which took place from Jan. 11–15.

    NAN reports that Onuigbo was a member of the House of Representatives of Nigeria who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency and served as Chairman of the Committee of Climate Change in the House of Representatives of Nigeria during the 8th Assembly.

    “The CEPA signed in January 2026, the UAE will eliminate tariffs on 7,315 Nigerian products. This includes immediate duty-free access for 2,805 products (38.3 per cent), with the remainder phased out over three to five years, covering agricultural and industrial goods.

    “Similarly, under the Nigeria/UAE CEPA also signed in January 2026, Nigeria has eliminated tariffs on 6,243 products imported from UAE. That agreement creates these wonderful opportunities between Nigerians, the Emirates,” he said.

    Read Also: Nigeria, UAE to partner on $400b commodities sector

    Onuigbo said that the agreement is massive and would facilitate an environment for business persons in Nigeria, who have businesses that are verifiable, identifiable, to go over there and open offices also to work there for three months and come back.

    He commended President Bola Tinubu for the agreement, saying that the agreement was geared and targeted towards how to reposition Nigeria, create the enabling environment for employment, and of course make everybody happy.

    “Nigeria is ready for business. Nigeria’s carbon market framework policy was unveiled again there in Abu Dhabi

    Nigeria is a nation of nearly 250 million people and has had, over the years, the challenge of enough energy or power to be able to attain its economic and industrialisation targets.

    “And because of that, Nigeria has been engaging in different activities, for instance, the Energy Transition Plan, enactment of the Climate Change Act, the Electricity Act which the President signed barely eight days after he assumed office in 2023.

    “This shows the importance of addressing the energy gap having enough energy, electricity is a fundamental point to developing industrially which nigeria deems necessary.

    Onuigbo lauded Nigeria’s participation at the Abu Dhabi summit saying that the summit would further enable global economic opportunity for people to work together within Nigeria and UAE.

    He added that the President’s collaboration would address the challenges and devastating effects of climate change as well as to build up Nigeria’s economy in 2026.

    (NAN)

  • Nigeria, UAE to partner on $400b commodities sector

    Nigeria, UAE to partner on $400b commodities sector

    Nigeria and United Arab Emirates are exploring ways to collaborate to enhance the development of Nigeria’s vast commodity ecosystem, with potential to unlock more than $400 billion.

    The partnership, involving the Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE ), seeks to galvanise private-sector investors to position Nigeria as a gateway to Africa’s $1 trillion commodities market.

    Nigeria alone represents about $400 billion in opportunities across agriculture, energy, gold, and lithium.

    LCFE’s collaborations with the UAE are expected to advance lithium processing, livestock development, food security, and commodities trading.

    Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, Salem Saleh Omar Al Jaberi, paid a courtesy visit to the LCFE to further talks on areas of collaboration.

    Managing Director, Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE ), Akin Akeredolu-Ale, highlighted the role of private-sector-led initiatives in driving efficiency, capital formation, and infrastructure delivery.

    He cited projects such as the Second Niger Bridge and Sukuk-backed road networks as evidence that structured private investment ensures continuity and measurable outcomes.

    According to him, the Exchange is also expanding its ecosystem of dealing member firms and commodity brokers, while promoting gold trading through LBMA-standard bars stored in Free Trade Zones, enabling tariff-free access for institutional investors, including pension funds.

    Read Also: UAE, Nigeria record growth in diplomatic, trade, other ties

    Akeredolu-Ale noted that LCFE is increasing its involvement in large-scale rice production, livestock and fodder development, and the production of export-ready organic produce.

    He disclosed that memoranda of understanding have been signed with some state governments, while the UAE has been granted first right of refusal on commodity exports.

    He added that recent reforms decentralising electricity generation have created new private investment opportunities in metering, revenue collection, and infrastructure optimisation.

    He said: “These initiatives underscore LCFE’s commitment to leveraging private-sector partnerships to drive inclusive growth, deepen Nigeria’s commodities markets, and strengthen the country’s position as a hub for Africa’s rapidly expanding commodity economy”.

    Director General, AIM Congress, Walid Farghal, called for broader participation in the commodities market, particularly among entrepreneurs and youth.

    He highlighted the role of digitisation, tokenisation, and strategic promotion in attracting global investors, drawing parallels with Dubai’s National Bonds model.

    According to him, investor confidence is driven by liquidity, ease of exit, and secure market structures.

  • Nigeria to co-host Investopia with UAE in February, seals trade pact

    Nigeria to co-host Investopia with UAE in February, seals trade pact

    …pact to deepen cooperation in renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics and digital trade

    …President targets $30bn yearly green finance, invites investors to Lagos-hosted Investopia

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday announced that Nigeria will co-host Investopia with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Lagos in February, as part of renewed efforts to attract global investors and accelerate sustainable investment inflows into the country.

    The President made the announcement at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), where Nigeria also concluded a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE to deepen bilateral trade and cooperation across key growth sectors.

    On the sidelines of the summit, President Tinubu and Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, witnessed the signing of the CEPA, alongside Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade and Minister in charge of Talent Attraction and Retention, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.

    Describing the agreement as historic and strategic, President Tinubu said CEPA would expand cooperation between both countries in renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, digital trade, aviation, agriculture and climate-smart infrastructure, while creating enduring opportunities for their peoples.

    According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu explained that Investopia would serve as a global platform bringing together investors, innovators, policymakers and business leaders to convert ideas into actionable 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,” the President said.

    Addressing the summit, Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria is targeting the mobilisation of up to $30 billion annually in climate and green industrial finance as it accelerates energy-transition reforms and expands electricity access nationwide.

    “The foundation of every modern economy is electricity,” he said, noting that Nigeria understands the need to balance industrialisation with decarbonisation, ensuring neither is pursued at the expense of the other.

    He called for reforms in the global financial architecture, urging a shift away from the restrictive requirement of sovereign guarantees that often disadvantage developing economies.

    “Instead, the focus should be on blended finance and first-loss capital mechanisms that allow private sustainable capital flows directly into our green projects without further straining national balance sheets,” Tinubu said.

    The President said Nigeria has strengthened its climate governance framework through the adoption of a National Carbon Market Activation Policy and the launch of a National Carbon Registry, measures he said are designed to improve transparency and boost investor confidence.

    He identified the Electricity Act 2023 as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy reforms, explaining that it enables decentralised power generation and distribution, particularly to underserved communities.

    Read Also: Gold, Lithium position Nigeria as Africa’s minerals supply hub – Alake

    Tinubu added that Nigeria’s climate investment drive includes 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.

    Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2060 under its Energy Transition Plan, the President said the country would continue to pursue industrial growth alongside universal energy access.

    He also invited foreign investors to partner with Nigeria in its lithium and critical minerals sector, stressing government priority for local processing and value addition.

    Highlighting the impact of ongoing economic reforms, Tinubu said Nigeria has recorded a 21 per cent growth in non-oil exports, alongside rising capital importation and over $50 billion in investment commitments across key sectors.

    “These reforms, alongside wider fiscal and monetary measures, are delivering results. 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”,  he said.

  • Nigeria, UAE to sign comprehensive economic partnership agreement at Tinubu–MBZ talks

    Nigeria, UAE to sign comprehensive economic partnership agreement at Tinubu–MBZ talks

    Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) during a scheduled bilateral meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, on the sidelines of the ongoing Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in Abu Dhabi.

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abu Dhabi, explaining that the agreement would formalise ongoing economic engagements, boost investor confidence and offer mutual protection for businesses operating in both countries.

    According to Tuggar, the CEPA is a critical deliverable of President Tinubu’s participation in the sustainability summit, noting that several UAE investors had been eager for the agreement to be concluded to guarantee the safety and predictability of their investments in Nigeria.

    “President Tinubu is going to have a bilateral with the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and one of the things to be discussed there is the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement which is expected to be signed during that bilateral meeting,” the Minister said.

    READ ALSO; NIN database hits 127 million enrolments nationwide, says NIMC

    He explained that beyond attracting UAE investments into Nigeria, the agreement would also safeguard Nigerian interests abroad, particularly in Dubai, where many Nigerians run businesses and factories.

    “It also protects the investments of Nigerians. We have a lot of Nigerian businesses doing business in Dubai. Some actually even have factories. This further protects them, dignifies the Nigerian and ensures that Nigerians are respected wherever they go to invest or visit,” Tuggar added.

    The Minister described Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week as a strategic platform that sits between global climate conferences, such as the recent COP, and helps participating countries move from declarations to implementation.

    “The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week happens in between the COP. You need to concretise some of the agreements that have been reached; otherwise, it just ends up being a talk shop,” he said.

    He noted that Nigeria’s participation was driven by the need to translate climate commitments into tangible outcomes, including funded and implementable projects, especially in areas where the country faces a deficit in project preparation.

    “This presents an opportunity to come with identified projects and try to source funding from some of the countries and organisations that are in attendance,” Tuggar explained.

    On priority sectors for Nigeria–UAE collaboration, the minister identified gas development for electricity generation as a major focus, stressing that inadequate investment in converting Nigeria’s vast gas resources into power has contributed to persistent electricity outages.

    “We’re looking to invest further in gas for electricity. We have a lot of gas, and we need to develop it to power electricity. That is why we now have a lot of pipelines being constructed and a licensing round going on for acreage,” he said, adding that this would open more opportunities for exploration and production.

    Tuggar also pointed to expanded trade relations, including agricultural commodities and manufacturing, as well as improved financial and aviation frameworks. 

    He recalled that challenges faced by airline operators over trapped funds were resolved after President Tinubu assumed office, easing travel and financial transactions for Nigerians abroad.

    Speaking on President Tinubu’s expected address at the forum, the minister said the President would outline Nigeria’s climate change priorities, nationally determined contributions and the drive to make climate-related projects bankable to attract global funding.

    “He will talk about Nigeria’s focus in terms of deliverables, our goals and commitments, and ensuring that the projects we bring forward are viable and can convince funders,” Tuggar said.

    He added that Nigeria’s engagement at the forum underscores its commitment to sustainability, not only in tackling climate change but in doing so in a way that supports long-term economic growth and development.

  • Nigeria, UAE sign MoU on digital skills development

    Nigeria, UAE sign MoU on digital skills development

    Nigeria and United Arab Emirates (UAE) yesterday reached agreement to collaborate on digital education and skills development as part of efforts to deepen participation in the global digital economy.

    At the formal signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) yesterday in Dubai, Federal Ministry of Youth Development signed for Nigeria while UAE Digital School, under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), signed for the UAE.

    The agreement seeks to expand access to digital education and practical skill development for Nigerian youth through the platform of Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA).

    The partnership followed earlier engagements held in July 2025 between Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, and key UAE government officials and development partners.

    Speaking at signing ceremony, Olawande said the agreement marked a major milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to prepare its youth for active participation in the global digital economy.

    According to him, the collaboration promise to equip Nigerian youth with the skills, tools, and opportunities they need to thrive in a fast-changing digital world.

    He expressed appreciation to the government and people of the United Arab Emirates for their hospitality, leadership, and continued support for global development.

    He said: “What we celebrate today goes beyond Nigeria. It stands as a symbol of shared responsibility, shared progress, and shared hope for the youth of both nations”.

    Read Also: ACCI charge Nigerians to embrace mechanised agriculture

    The UAE Digital School, led by Dr. Waleed Al Ali, is one of the flagship initiatives of MBRGI dedicated to providing digital learning opportunities to underserved communities worldwide.

    Through this collaboration, Nigeria will leverage the school’s digital infrastructure, resources, and expertise to strengthen digital inclusion and education for young people across the country.

    Olawande also commended the ministry’s technical partner, Sapphital Limited, for its commitment and contribution to the success of the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) and related digital empowerment projects.

    He further praised his team at the ministry for their dedication in bringing the initiative to fruition.

    The partnership is expected to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda by providing access to modern, skill-based education that empowers youth for the future of work.

  • Nigeria, UAE sign pact for deployment of advanced cargo information systems

    Nigeria, UAE sign pact for deployment of advanced cargo information systems

    The federal government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DALIL UAE on deploying Advanced Cargo Information (ACI) systems across Nigerian airports.

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who signed on behalf of the Federal Government, described the agreement as a bold step towards repositioning Nigeria as a leading aviation and logistics hub in Africa.

    Keyamo stated that the implementation of the MoU will commence with feasibility studies in October 2025, followed by a nationwide rollout in the third quarter of 2026.

    The Minister, in a statement on Tuesday by the Head of Press and Public Affairs of the ministry, Odutayo Oluseyi, said the ACI will strengthen aviation security through early detection of high-risk cargo.

    He added that it would reduce clearance bottlenecks, streamline cargo processing, improve efficiency, enhance government revenue assurance via real-time data capture, facilitate international trade, and boost Nigeria’s position as a regional logistics hub.

    Keyamo emphasised that the partnership with DALIL UAE goes beyond technology transfer, as it seeks to entrench resilience, efficiency, and competitiveness in Nigeria’s aviation value chain.

    Read Also: UAE, Nigeria deepen ties as trade, investment rise

    He stated, “This MoU is not just about technology transfer; it is about building resilience, efficiency, and competitiveness in Nigeria’s aviation sector. Nigeria is now set to leverage cutting-edge innovation to drive security, trade facilitation, and revenue growth.

    “The adoption of ACI technology is crucial to the future of Nigeria’s aviation industry. This system will not only strengthen aviation security by identifying high-risk cargo before it enters our borders, but it will also enhance efficiency by reducing bottlenecks at cargo terminals, improve transparency, and ensure real-time revenue assurance. Beyond these, it will position Nigeria as a competitive regional logistics hub in line with ICAO and WCO global standards.

    He further assured that the federal government will continue to provide the enabling policy environment necessary for the smooth implementation and sustainability of the project.

    “With this development, Nigeria joins a select group of nations deploying advanced cargo intelligence solutions to enhance safety, boost efficiency, and support global trade”.

  • UAE deepens ties with Angola

    UAE deepens ties with Angola

    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken another step in expanding its footprint in Africa, with Angola becoming the latest country to sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) during the state visit of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Luanda.

    President Sheikh Mohamed held talks with his Angolan counterpart, President João Manuel Lourenço, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and unlocking new areas of cooperation.

    President Lourenço, who welcomed his guest warmly, described the visit as historic and a significant boost to Angola’s ties with the Gulf nation.

    He commended the UAE for its growing investments across the continent, stressing that Emirati companies have contributed meaningfully to Angola’s economic growth.

    In his remarks, President Sheikh Mohamed congratulated Angola on its 50th independence anniversary and expressed optimism about the country’s progress.

    He said the UAE remains committed to building strategic partnerships with African nations in critical sectors such as energy, agriculture, food security, technology, and logistics.

    Read Also: Tertiary institutions must drive rural transformation – UAES VC

    “Relations between our two countries continue to deepen, particularly in investment and development. The UAE is keen to consolidate these gains in ways that advance the aspirations of both nations,” Sheikh Mohamed said.

    He further praised Angola’s leadership of the African Union, expressing confidence that President Lourenço’s chairmanship would promote peace, reconciliation, and stability across the continent.

    The discussions between both leaders also touched on regional and global developments, with an emphasis on the need for collective efforts to promote peace and stability.

    Agreements and memoranda of understanding signed during the visit are expected to bolster cooperation in renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, and other growth-driven sectors, with promises of creating more opportunities for youth and enhancing economic resilience.

    The UAE delegation included top officials such as H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President.

    Several Angolan ministers and senior officials were also present at the talks.

  • UAE announces more stringent conditions for Nigeria visa applicants

    UAE announces more stringent conditions for Nigeria visa applicants

    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has again placed more stringent conditions on visa applicants from Nigeria.

    The UAE authorities directed that Nigerians between 18 and 45 years are restricted from obtaining tourist visas unless accompanied.

    This is coming only one year after the UAE and Nigeria resolved a two-year visa ban placed on Nigerians.

     This latest directive was communicated to travel agents on Tuesday.

    Read Also: New UAE visa procedure excites Nigerian travellers

    The notification added that applicants who are 45 years or above “must provide a Single Nigerian personal bank statement for a period of the last six months, with each month’s end balance reflecting a minimum ending balance of USD 10,000 or its naira equivalent.”

    Nigerians who are planning to apply for the visa have been further advised to consider these before sending other existing documents such as hotel reservation, data page, etc.

  • UAE achieves 97.4% Sustainable Fisheries Index

    UAE achieves 97.4% Sustainable Fisheries Index

    Abu Dhabi has recorded a Sustainable Fisheries Index of 97.4 per cent by the end of 2024, continuing a six-year streak of marine conservation achievements in line with World Oceans Day.

    The accomplishment marks an improvement from just 8.9 per cent in 2018, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), a partner of TV BRICS.

    Recent marine monitoring also documented key indicators of ecosystem recovery.

    Notably, 55 specimens of the rare nuaimi fish were recorded, along with the first sighting of the white-spotted grouper in Abu Dhabi – now added to the international Fish Base database.

    Other rare species spotted include the large-scaled triggerfish and the spotted oceanic triggerfish.

    Read Also: Police extradite Nigerian fugitive from UAE Over $307,500 fraud

    To support fish stock recovery, the UAE has enforced internationally aligned regulations on commercial and recreational fishing and expanded marine protected areas.

    Additional initiatives include coral propagation, artificial reef installation, and enhanced aquaculture.

    Experts believe the index milestone demonstrates the value of science-based policy and global best practices in restoring fish populations and protecting ecosystems.

    (TV BRICS/NAN) 

  • Nigeria, UAE set to discuss visa issues, says minister

    Nigeria, UAE set to discuss visa issues, says minister

    Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are expected to meet in the coming days to finalise all outstanding visa issues, a statement by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s media aide Magnus Eze has hinted.

    According to the statement, the decision was reached during a meeting between UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Alshamsi and Mrs. Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

    Nigerians face difficulties in obtaining UAE visas, especially tourism visas.

    Acknowledging the warm diplomatic relations and strategic partnerships between Nigeria and the UAE, has had with the United Arab Emirates, the minister noted that Nigeria has remained faithful in the relationship.

    Mrs. Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated that the City of Dubai in the UAE has become a destination of choice to many Nigerians.

    Read Also: CBN to contain naira volatility with forex inflows

    Officially, 12,000 Nigerians made up of unskilled workers, professionals and students in various institutions live in the UAE.

    According to her, in 2015 alone, almost a million Nigerians visited the UAE, especially Dubai, they spent between $100 million and $150 million on visas alone, and over $1 billion, mostly on shopping sprees, exclusive of amounts spent on traders’ goods, payment of school fees, tourism and other related economic activities.

    The minister said t was clear that the economic relations between both countries were predominantly one-sided, hence there was need to explore areas of collaboration that will enhance “our economic interests.”

    Mrs. Odumegwu-Ojukwu said: “There have been numerous concerns about the status of visa for the UAE. Even some top government officials are worried and they raise the concerns. Is there a new visa policy for UAE? You need to let Nigerians know. We need to know what to tell our citizenry. Nigerians have invested massively in property in UAE, hosting conferences and tourism.”

    The minister also disclosed that another joint commission between the two countries was due after the one hosted by the UAE in 2022.

    “We want to reciprocate by hosting the joint commission in Nigeria. There are several bilateral issues such as power, renewable energy and the rest of the things that we need to deliberate on.

    “We hope that with the joint commission, we will be able to handle those MOUs that have not been treated. And we will achieve a lot.”

    The minister thanked the UAE for the large consignment of relief materials it recently donated to support flood victims across the country, and vaccines for chicken pox patients to support Nigeria’s health institutions.

    Ambassador Alshamsi congratulated Odumegwu-Ojukwu on her recent appointment as Minister of State even as he expressed delight over the achievements recorded in the Nigeria-UAE relations in over 50 years.

    The Ambassador said that he had for over one and half years he assumed duties in Abuja issued visas to government officials and private persons, explaining that an appointed agent handled visas for private applicants.

    He promised to address the difficulties faced by Nigerian visa-seekers as well as optimising the various MOUs signed by both countries to foster different economic partnerships and the promotion of trade and investment.

    The envoy said: “We have increased visa issuance through the agent. I have zero visa rejection since I came to Nigeria. Since I arrived a year and half ago, I make sure that I issue visas. We have issued over 700 tourism visas from July 2024.

    “Sometimes, we might disagree on some issues, but there is nothing personal. But we could still resolve and agree. We want you to see us as part of your team, we are partners.

    “We have signed three or four agreements and would soon sign another major agreement. We must try and sign more agreements before our President’s visit to Nigeria in the second quarter of this year.

    “But we would hold a meeting to resolve these issues,” the envoy assured.