President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressing delegates at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week where Nigeria and the UAE announced the conclusion of economic partnership talks.
Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have finalised negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The agreement is expected to expand trade, unlock large-scale investments, and accelerate cooperation in clean energy and infrastructure development.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the breakthrough at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, describing the agreement as a strategic response to shared economic and climate challenges facing both countries.
The pact is expected to open new pathways for Nigerian exports, attract UAE capital into priority sectors, and strengthen the UAE’s access to Africa’s largest market.
CEPA Target
The CEPA targets key growth sectors including renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, digital trade, aviation, logistics, climate-smart agriculture and green manufacturing, areas seen as critical for economic diversification and long-term stability in both nations.
President Tinubu said the agreement would move Nigeria–UAE relations beyond diplomacy into practical, investment-driven cooperation that delivers measurable benefits to businesses and citizens.
“This historic and strategic milestone marks a new era in our bilateral relations,” Tinubu said, noting that the deal would unlock sustainable investments and long-term economic opportunities.
Economic Solutions
Tinubu explained that Nigeria’s partnership with the UAE is built around integrated economic solutions, aligning energy, finance, technology and skills development.
He said both countries share a commitment to expanding clean power investments, sustainable infrastructure and innovative financing models, while ensuring energy access and economic growth are not compromised.
The President also invited deeper engagement with UAE sovereign wealth funds, development partners and private investors to support large-scale projects in Nigeria.
Sustainability as Growth Strategy
Reframing the climate debate, Tinubu stressed that sustainability must be treated as a development opportunity, especially for emerging economies.
Nigeria, he said, is pursuing an energy transition that balances industrialisation with decarbonisation, focusing on job creation, inclusion and affordable energy access.
Nigeria’s investment climate
The President highlighted recent reforms to improve Nigeria’s investment climate, including the National Carbon Market Activation Policy and the National Carbon Registry, designed to enhance transparency and protect investors.
He also cited the Electricity Act 2023, which allows decentralised power generation and is expanding electricity access to rural and underserved communities.
Green Finance and Economic Impact
Tinubu revealed that Nigeria has launched a Climate and Green Industrialisation Investment Label, targeting $25–$30 billion annually in climate finance.
Other initiatives include a $500 million renewable energy fund by the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority and a $750 million World Bank programme expected to deliver clean power to more than 17.5 million Nigerians.
He noted that Nigeria’s sovereign green bonds and Lagos State green bonds have both recorded strong investor demand.
Local Value Addition
Addressing global demand for lithium and rare minerals, Tinubu said Nigeria is prioritising local processing and value addition, urging investors to support industrial growth and job creation within the country rather than raw mineral exports.
Global climate finance
The President called for reforms in global climate finance, urging international institutions to adopt blended finance models that reduce risk for private investors without overburdening developing economies.
Nigeria, UAE to Co-Host Investopia in Lagos
Tinubu announced that Nigeria and the UAE will co-host Investopia in Lagos this February, a global investment forum aimed at converting policy agreements into bankable projects.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s openness to business, he said ongoing reforms are designed to make the country a more predictable and attractive investment destination.
“Nigeria is ready for business, easy in easy out, but with value addition,” he said.
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