JUST IN: UAE President to Visit Nigeria Following Bilateral Talks

The President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has accepted an invitation from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to visit Nigeria later this year. According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the invitation was extended during bilateral talks held on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025.

President Tinubu arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday at the invitation of the UAE leader to participate in the global sustainability forum. The event, which focuses on advancing sustainable development and addressing pressing challenges such as climate change, energy crises, and water scarcity, provided a platform for the Nigerian leader to present the nation’s position on these issues.

During the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for honoring his invitation and reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with Nigeria. Both leaders discussed avenues to enhance bilateral relations, particularly in attracting investment into Nigeria.

President Tinubu emphasized that his administration’s economic reforms are already yielding significant results, creating a more stable economic environment and attracting foreign investors. He highlighted recent billion-dollar investments announced by international oil companies as evidence of renewed global confidence in doing business in Nigeria. Tinubu called on the UAE to partner with Nigeria in further developing its economy.

The Nigerian President expressed his appreciation to the UAE leader for the warm reception accorded to him and his delegation since their arrival in Abu Dhabi. Accompanying President Tinubu to the meeting were Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

The UAE delegation, led by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, included Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; and H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Other notable officials present were Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; and Salem Saeed Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Nigeria.

The upcoming visit by the UAE President is expected to solidify bilateral ties and foster economic partnerships between the two nations.