By Joy Onu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returned to Nigeria after a successful outing at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, where Nigeria strengthened economic ties with the United Arab Emirates and secured a major trade agreement.
A statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on January 17, 2026, revealed that a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed between the two nations. The deal is aimed at boosting trade and investment, facilitating technology transfer, and promoting collaboration across key sectors including energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, and renewable energy.
The partnership is expected to open wider opportunities for growth and position Nigeria as a stronger player in global value chains.
At the summit, President Tinubu also announced that Lagos will host a joint Nigeria–UAE INVESTOPIA in February. The initiative is set to attract global investors and showcase Nigeria as a competitive and investment-friendly destination.
In a bold projection, the President stated that Nigeria plans to mobilise up to $30 billion annually in climate and green industrial finance, a move aimed at accelerating energy transition reforms and expanding nationwide electricity access.
This landmark engagement signals Nigeria’s growing influence in international economic partnerships and its readiness to take a front seat in shaping sustainable development in Africa.
