Nigeria UAE Trade Climbs 66.7% to $5 Billion as Economic Ties Deepen

By Benson Daniel

Bilateral trade between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates has risen sharply to about $5 billion, representing a 66.7 percent increase from the estimated $3 billion recorded a year earlier, as both countries intensify efforts to deepen economic cooperation and investment.

The latest growth highlights the expanding commercial relationship between the two countries, with attention increasingly shifting beyond traditional trade to investment, technology, financial services, energy, manufacturing and other areas capable of supporting long term economic growth.

The increase was disclosed following discussions between Nigerian and UAE officials on strengthening bilateral relations and creating new opportunities for businesses and investors in both countries.

The UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Alshamsi, said bilateral trade had expanded from about $3 billion to $4.3 billion in 2024 before reaching approximately $5 billion in 2025.

The development comes against the backdrop of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Nigeria and the UAE, which was signed in January 2026 as part of efforts to reduce trade barriers, improve market access and stimulate investment between both economies.

The agreement is expected to provide a stronger framework for businesses operating across both markets, particularly in sectors such as technology, agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics and financial services.

For Nigeria, stronger economic ties with the UAE could provide additional opportunities to attract foreign capital at a time when the country is seeking to diversify its economy, expand non oil activity and strengthen its position as a destination for international investment.

The UAE has also emerged as an important commercial and investment partner for Nigeria, with its companies and financial institutions showing growing interest in the country’s infrastructure, energy, banking and other strategic sectors.

The expansion in trade has also coincided with efforts to improve business connectivity between both countries. Discussions are ongoing around increased direct air connectivity, which could make it easier for investors, traders, tourists and professionals to move between Nigeria and the UAE.

Beyond the movement of goods, Nigerian officials have emphasised the importance of using the relationship to promote technology transfer, human capital development and greater participation of Nigerian businesses in international value chains.

Emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, digital technology and financial technology are also being identified as potential areas for deeper cooperation, particularly as Nigeria seeks to build a stronger digital economy and equip its young population with skills required for emerging industries.

The trade expansion is therefore being viewed as more than an increase in the value of goods exchanged between the two countries. It represents an opportunity to broaden the economic relationship and create stronger links between businesses, investors and institutions.

With the implementation of the trade agreement expected to progress, both countries are likely to focus increasingly on removing outstanding barriers, improving investment flows and ensuring that the growing volume of bilateral commerce translates into wider economic opportunities.

If effectively implemented, the Nigeria UAE partnership could strengthen Nigeria’s access to capital, technology and international markets while providing UAE businesses with greater opportunities to participate in Africa’s largest economy.

The latest figures reinforce the growing importance of the UAE to Nigeria’s international trade and investment strategy and point to the potential for further expansion as both countries deepen economic cooperation.