United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has accepted an invitation from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to visit Nigeria later this year.
The invitation was extended during bilateral talks between the two leaders on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025.
President Tinubu, who arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday as a guest of the UAE President, participated in the forum aimed at promoting sustainable development and addressing global challenges, including climate change, water scarcity, and energy crises. On Wednesday, he delivered Nigeria’s position on these issues and congratulated the UAE leader for hosting the event.
In a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga on Thursday, it was revealed that during their discussions, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed the UAE’s commitment to deepening economic cooperation with Nigeria. Both leaders explored opportunities to attract investments into Nigeria, with President Tinubu highlighting his government’s economic reforms as a foundation for stronger partnerships.
“Our reforms have stabilised and grown the economy, creating an environment that encourages billion-dollar investments from foreign entities, including international oil companies,” President Tinubu stated, urging the UAE to partner with Nigeria in its developmental agenda.
The Nigerian leader also expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their stay in Abu Dhabi.
Accompanying President Tinubu were Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
The UAE delegation at the meeting included Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Other officials present were Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; and Salem Saeed Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Nigeria.
This high-level engagement signals a renewed commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships between Nigeria and the UAE.
