Non-oil trade between Nigeria and United Arab Emirates climbed to $5 billion in 2025, up from $4.3 billion in 2024, highlighting the rapidly expanding economic relationship between the two countries, according to Vanguard News and The Guardian. The figure was disclosed by UAE Ambassador Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi during a meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in Abuja.
The growth reflects increasing commercial activity across sectors outside crude oil, including finance, aviation, trade, logistics, and investment. The UAE envoy said bilateral non-oil trade could rise further to about $8 billion by 2027 if current levels of engagement and cooperation are sustained.
A key development in the partnership is the planned launch of operations in Lagos by First Abu Dhabi Bank, while Etihad Airways is also expected to commence flights to Abuja. Both moves are expected to strengthen business connectivity, investment flows, and cross-border commerce between the two nations.
Speaking during the meeting, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria and the UAE are working toward implementing the recently signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which is expected to deepen trade integration and create new opportunities for businesses, professionals, and investors in both countries. ChannelsTv noted that the milestone aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategy to diversify its economy away from oil dependence while attracting foreign investment into high-growth sectors.
