President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja following his participation in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, where Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates formalised a major trade agreement
The President’s return was confirmed on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement announcing the conclusion of the trip.
Tinubu had left Nigeria on Sunday, December 28, 2025, for Paris to continue his annual leave before proceeding to Abu Dhabi for the sustainability summit, which held from January 11 to 15. It marked his second consecutive appearance at the global event, having attended the 2025 edition as well.
During the summit, Nigeria and the UAE signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement designed to strengthen economic ties between both countries. The deal provides duty-free access for thousands of Nigerian goods into the UAE market and is expected to boost trade, attract investment, encourage technology transfer, and expand cooperation in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, and renewable energy.
Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, signed for the Emirates. President Tinubu and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan were present at the signing ceremony.
Oduwole described the agreement as a significant opportunity for Nigerian exporters, noting that it would serve as a gateway to global markets. She added that Nigerian companies would be allowed to establish offices and subsidiaries in the UAE, while business owners could stay in the country for up to 90 days within a 12-month period.
Addressing participants at the summit, President Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria plans to mobilise as much as $30bn annually in climate and green industrial finance to drive energy transition reforms and expand electricity access across the country. He revealed that the Climate Investment Platform would raise $500m for climate-resilient infrastructure, while the National Climate Change Fund is targeting a $2bn capital base.
The President also announced plans for a joint Nigeria-UAE Investopia summit scheduled to hold in Lagos in February. The event is expected to attract investors, policymakers, innovators, and business leaders to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria.
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