Nigeria-UAE Trade Surges 66.7% to $5bn in One Year

Bilateral trade between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates rose by 66.7 percent to approximately $5 billion in 2025, up from $3 billion recorded in 2024.

The development highlights strengthening economic relations between both countries as they work towards formalising a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, CEPA.

The UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Alshamsi, disclosed the figures during a courtesy visit to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.

According to a statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Alshamsi said the UAE had already ratified the proposed trade agreement.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria’s completion of its domestic ratification process would help unlock additional investment opportunities and deepen economic cooperation.

The ambassador said the CEPA could boost investments in critical sectors, including manufacturing, services, energy and financial services.

He also disclosed that consultations were ongoing with Nigerian authorities regarding plans to introduce direct Emirates Airline flights to Abuja.

The proposed direct connection is expected to strengthen business, investment and tourism links between Nigeria and the UAE.

Responding, Enikanolaiye welcomed the significant increase in bilateral trade, particularly the growth of non-oil economic cooperation.

He described the development as consistent with the Federal Government’s economic diplomacy agenda and assured the UAE delegation of Nigeria’s commitment to accelerating the CEPA ratification process.

The minister also called for the early convening of the Nigeria-UAE Joint Commission to address outstanding issues affecting bilateral economic cooperation.

Enikanolaiye stressed that the relationship between both countries should extend beyond trade in goods to include investment, technology transfer and human capital development.

He identified artificial intelligence, digital technology and financial technology as areas where Nigeria could benefit from stronger cooperation with the UAE.

According to him, technical partnerships, knowledge transfer and capacity-building programmes would help equip Nigerian youths with the skills required to participate effectively in the expanding digital economy.

The latest trade figures underline the growing importance of the UAE as a major economic partner for Nigeria and could provide further momentum for the proposed CEPA.