UAE Nigeria trade volume hits $5bn in 2025 as both nations expand economic ties, ease visa rules, and plan new investment projects

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced that UAE Nigeria Trade Volume rose to $5 billion in 2025, marking a significant expansion in economic relations between both countries as new investment and aviation agreements move closer to implementation.

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UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, disclosed the figures during a meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in Abuja.

The ambassador said non-oil trade between both nations increased from $4.3 billion in 2024 to $5 billion in 2025, with projections suggesting it could reach $8 billion by 2027 if current momentum is sustained.

Al-Shamsi also revealed that major financial and aviation developments were underway, including plans for First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) to commence operations in Lagos and Etihad Airlines to launch flights into Abuja.

He described the bilateral relationship as strong and steadily expanding, noting that more than 15,000 Nigerians travelled to the UAE within the last year following eased visa restrictions.

According to him, visa access for Nigerians has significantly improved, with no recent rejections recorded for applicants travelling to the Gulf nation.

The ambassador also reiterated the UAE’s support for Nigeria in its fight against terrorism, stating that Abu Dhabi had issued at least eight public statements condemning attacks in Nigeria.

The visit also featured the presentation of a congratulatory message from UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Odumegwu-Ojukwu on her appointment.

In her remarks, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria and the UAE were working to implement the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which she described as a key framework for deepening trade and investment ties.

She said the agreement would unlock new opportunities for Nigerian businesses, professionals and workers while strengthening foreign direct investment inflows from UAE-based sovereign wealth funds and private sector investors.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that Nigeria remained committed to improving its investment climate and ensuring that reforms continue to attract international partners.

She expressed satisfaction that several visa-related challenges had been resolved through sustained diplomatic engagement, contributing to increased travel and business activity between both countries.

“I am happy to say that a lot of the issues raised when I was Minister of State for Foreign Affairs have been resolved in less than a year, especially regarding visas,” she said.

The minister also commended the UAE leadership for its continued engagement with Nigeria, recalling that the Emirati Deputy Prime Minister was among the first world leaders to congratulate her on her appointment.

“I am so pleased to have received the call from His Highness, the Deputy Prime Minister and his prayers and encouragement to me. It was actually the first of such calls,” she added.

She reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with the UAE, describing the partnership as one with significant long-term potential.

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Analysts say the growing trade figures and easing of travel restrictions signal a deepening strategic relationship between both nations, particularly in non-oil sectors such as finance, aviation, and infrastructure development.