Economic Partnership Eyes $8bn Trade Value by 2027
Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are projecting a significant rise in their non-oil trade volume, with both countries targeting about $8 billion by 2027 as economic relations between them continue to strengthen.
The projection follows increasing bilateral engagements and recent developments in key sectors such as aviation and banking. These include the establishment of First Abu Dhabi Bank’s operations in Lagos and preparations by Etihad Airways to launch services in Abuja.
According to the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, trade between both countries has shown steady growth, rising from $4.3 billion in 2024 to about $5 billion in 2025. He expressed confidence that the upward trend would continue in the coming years, potentially reaching the $8 billion mark by 2027.
He also disclosed that travel processes for Nigerians heading to the UAE have been eased, noting that visa rejections have significantly reduced. He added that approximately 15,000 Nigerians visited the UAE over the past year.
The ambassador further reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in its fight against terrorism, including public condemnations of attacks within the country.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, also reiterated the government’s readiness to strengthen investment and trade relations with the UAE, particularly by creating a more enabling environment for foreign investors.
She noted that sustained diplomatic engagement between both countries has helped resolve key issues, especially in the areas of visa facilitation and economic cooperation.
Both nations expressed optimism that ongoing partnerships in aviation, banking, and trade would further deepen bilateral relations and support mutual economic growth.
