NIGERIA’s economic relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have received a boost as non-oil trade between both countries rose to $5 billion in 2025, with projections indicating further expansion as new financial and aviation investments take shape.

A key highlight of the deepening partnership is the planned entry of the First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) into Lagos, a development expected to strengthen banking, investment flows and cross-border commerce between both nations.

The UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, disclosed the figures during a visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in Abuja, where both sides reviewed the state of bilateral relations and ongoing economic cooperation.

According to the envoy, non-oil trade between Nigeria and the UAE rose from $4.3 billion in 2024 to $5 billion in 2025, with expectations that it could reach about $8 billion by 2027 as investment channels expand and policy frameworks improve.

Al-Shamsi also announced that Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national carrier, is set to commence operations into Abuja within the year, a move expected to enhance business travel, tourism and connectivity between both countries.

He further disclosed that visa restrictions for Nigerians have been significantly eased, noting that rejection challenges previously faced by applicants have been largely resolved. He added that about 15,000 Nigerians travelled to the UAE in the past year following the policy adjustment.

The ambassador also reaffirmed the UAE’s support for Nigeria in its fight against terrorism, stating that his country has issued at least eight official statements condemning attacks in Nigeria.

He presented a formal letter of congratulations from the UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu on her appointment as Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, while responding, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening economic and diplomatic ties with the UAE, particularly in attracting foreign direct investment from sovereign wealth funds and private sector players.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said ongoing diplomatic engagement had already resolved several longstanding concerns, especially around visa facilitation, noting that improved relations had led 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.

She commended the growth in trade volume, describing it as evidence of stronger cooperation and sustained diplomatic engagement between both nations.

“In addition, you have been able to move the non-oil trade volume between both countries from $4.3 billion in 2024 to over $5 billion in 2025. This shows your commitment and unrelenting effort in deepening our bilateral relations,” she added.

The minister also revealed that the UAE Deputy Prime Minister was the first world leader to call and congratulate her following her appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the gesture as significant and deeply appreciated.

“I am so pleased to have received the call from His Highness, the Deputy Prime Minister… It was actually the first of such calls,” she said, adding that she remains committed to further strengthening relations between both countries.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, aviation, finance and investment, as Nigeria and the UAE continue to deepen one of Africa’s most strategic international partnerships.