UAE–Nigeria relations deepen as trade and investment expand

DDM News

(DDM) — Bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates and Nigeria have entered a new phase of growth, driven by flourishing trade, foreign investment, and stronger diplomatic cooperation.

The latest milestone in this expanding partnership is the official launch of the Dubai International Chamber’s representative office in Lagos, a move that underscores the UAE’s growing commercial footprint in West Africa.

Since the UAE established its Consulate General in Lagos in 2019, ties between the two nations have significantly intensified across critical sectors, including infrastructure, culture, security, and economic development.

Nigeria has increasingly become a strategic entry point for Emirati investment in the West African subregion.

Conversely, the UAE remains one of Nigeria’s top trading partners in the Gulf, facilitating both oil and non-oil commerce.

According to data reviewed by DDM, non-oil trade between the UAE and Nigeria reached approximately $2.4 billion in 2022.

Nigeria’s exports to the UAE include gold, charcoal, and spices, while the UAE exports refined petroleum, automobiles, and broadcasting equipment to Nigeria.

In 2023 alone, the UAE exported goods valued at over $1.61 billion to Nigeria, making it a key supplier of high-value goods and technologies.

Foreign direct investment inflows from the UAE to Nigeria have also increased steadily, supported by regular trade delegations and diplomatic engagements between both nations.

These high-level interactions have served to unlock new areas of collaboration, particularly in the areas of technology transfer, infrastructure development, and cultural diplomacy.

DDM gathered that a bilateral Joint Committee is central to managing and expanding cooperation between the two countries.

The committee promotes the implementation of agreements and fosters institutional partnerships across fields such as justice, education, security, and commercial innovation.

At the Lagos launch event, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for international business and noted the potential for deeper UAE–Nigeria collaboration in emerging markets.

The UAE Consulate General’s Economic Affairs Division continues to drive several initiatives focused on inclusive economic development, with an emphasis on sustainability and shared prosperity.

A UAE Consulate representative said the relationship with Nigeria is anchored on mutual trust and a shared vision of regional advancement.

He noted that both countries are committed not only to increasing trade but also to fostering long-term partnerships in education, innovation, and technological progress.

As the partnership evolves, experts believe the UAE–Nigeria relationship could serve as a model for cross-regional cooperation between the Gulf states and West Africa.

With sustained dialogue and economic alignment, both nations are positioned to benefit from shared progress, contributing to broader goals of regional integration, stability, and development.

Looking ahead, stakeholders on both sides expect continued collaboration to open new frontiers in commerce, digital transformation, and people-to-people exchange.

Analysts say the UAE’s investment strategy in Nigeria is not only based on economic potential but also on the strength of governance reforms and regulatory improvements underway in the country.

By prioritizing sustainability, innovation, and trust, DDM reports that both nations are laying the groundwork for a resilient and mutually beneficial partnership that can redefine Africa–Gulf relations in the years ahead.

The UAE’s growing role in Nigeria’s economy is expected to boost infrastructure development, create jobs, and support local capacity building across multiple sectors.

Observers say the success of the Lagos representative office could lead to additional UAE-backed projects in agriculture, logistics, digital economy, and renewable energy.

For Nigeria, this partnership comes at a crucial moment in its economic transformation agenda, with global investment and international partnerships seen as key to diversification and resilience.

With both nations aligned in vision, the deepening UAE–Nigeria alliance is poised to set new benchmarks for bilateral cooperation across the Global South.

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