Abuja, June 17, 2026 – Non-oil trade between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) grew to $4.9 billion in 2025 from $1.3 billion in 2020.
Saeed Bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, UAE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said this while speaking on economic relationship between both countries in an interview.
He said Nigeria had become an increasingly important partner within the UAE’s broader engagement across Africa, adding that the relationship is increasingly being shaped by long-term economic priorities rather than short-term external developments.
“The UAE–Nigeria partnership is defined by resilience and a shared vision for growth. We see significant opportunities to deepen cooperation, particularly in infrastructure, logistics, energy, and other sectors that drive long-term economic development,” he said.
Al Hajeri attributed the consistency in the evolving trade relationship to the UAE’s globally connected economy and long-term investment approach.
“This consistency is underpinned by the UAE’s globally connected economy and one of the world’s most competitive business environments, enabling us to navigate disruptions and safeguard both public and private sector investments,” he said.
Al Hajer said that years of investment in infrastructure, logistics and supply-chain resilience had helped maintain continuity across trade corridors and support stable commercial relationships across West Africa.
“We have long prepared for scenarios such as this. Our infrastructure has been strengthened, alternative export routes – including pipelines bypassing the Strait – are in place, and supply chains remain fully operational.”
Al Hajeri said that the partnership between UAE–Nigeria is evolving beyond trade toward long-term economic transformation, driven by innovation, technology, and strategic investment, within a framework of cooperation that fosters mutual prosperity for our peoples,”
“In parallel, through our USD 1 billion ‘AI for Development in Africa’ initiative, launched at the G20 Summit in South Africa, we are investing in the technologies that will shape the future – supporting AI projects that boost economic and social development, strengthen digital ecosystems, and unlock new pathways for sustainable growth,” he said.
Al Hajeri said the UAE sees Africa as central to its long-term economic outlook and reiterated that investment in infrastructure, renewable energy, logistics and digital connectivity will remain priorities.
“The UAE reaffirms its commitment to being a reliable, long-term partner to Africa, through a framework of cooperation that fosters mutual prosperity. We are not simply extending a hand in partnership – we are building bridges to a shared future for generations,” he said.
