UAE President to visit Nigeria following Tinubu’s invitation

United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has accepted an invitation from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to visit Nigeria later this year.

The invitation was extended during bilateral talks held on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025.

President Tinubu, who arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, participated in the global forum aimed at promoting sustainable development and addressing critical global challenges, including climate change, water scarcity, and energy crises.

During Wednesday’s discussions, the UAE President expressed gratitude to his Nigerian counterpart for attending the event and reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to deepening economic ties with Nigeria. The talks focused on fostering investments in Nigeria, with both leaders recognising the immense potential for mutual benefits.

President Tinubu highlighted his administration’s economic reforms, noting their success in stabilising and growing the Nigerian economy. He cited recent billion-dollar commitments by international investors and oil companies as evidence of renewed confidence in Africa’s largest economy. He also urged the UAE to explore partnerships to further enhance Nigeria’s economic development.

“The reforms we have implemented are already yielding results. Nigeria is open for business, and we welcome partners like the UAE to join us in building a robust economy,” President Tinubu said.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan praised the Nigerian leader’s vision and leadership, expressing his nation’s interest in strengthening bilateral relations.

The high-level meeting, held at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, was attended by key officials from both nations, including Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Finance Minister Wale Edun, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. Representing the UAE were Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; and Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, among others.

President Tinubu, who had earlier delivered Nigeria’s position on climate action at the sustainability forum, also commended the UAE President for hosting a successful event.

The visit by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Nigeria is anticipated to mark a new chapter in UAE-Nigeria relations, fostering closer cooperation in economic, environmental, and diplomatic spheres.