Non-oil trade between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) rose to $5 billion in 2025, underscoring growing economic ties between Africa’s largest economy and one of the Middle East’s leading investment and financial hubs.
The UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, disclosed the figure during a meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in Abuja, according to a statement from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The ambassador said bilateral non-oil trade increased from $4.3 billion in 2024 to $5 billion in 2025, reflecting expanding commercial activity, investment flows, and stronger business engagement between the two countries.
He projected that trade volumes could rise further to approximately $8 billion by 2027 if current levels of economic cooperation and market engagement are sustained.
A key development expected to support this growth is the planned entry of First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE’s largest lender, into the Nigerian market. The bank is expected to commence operations in Lagos, potentially enhancing access to trade finance, investment opportunities, and cross-border banking services.
In another boost to bilateral connectivity, Etihad Airways is set to launch flights to Abuja later this year, strengthening air links between Nigeria and the UAE and facilitating business travel, tourism, and commercial exchanges.
Addressing mobility and travel concerns, Ambassador Al-Shamsi said visa-related challenges affecting Nigerian travellers had been substantially resolved. According to him, visa approval processes have improved significantly, contributing to a rise in travel between both countries.
More than 15,000 Nigerians visited the UAE over the past year following the easing of visa restrictions, highlighting renewed confidence in people-to-people and business exchanges.
Beyond trade and investment, the ambassador reaffirmed the UAE’s support for Nigeria’s security efforts, particularly in combating terrorism. He noted that the UAE has consistently condemned terrorist attacks in Nigeria and remains committed to cooperation aimed at promoting stability and development.
The meeting also served as an opportunity for Ambassador Al-Shamsi to deliver a congratulatory message from His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu on her appointment as Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister.
The latest trade figures reinforce the growing strategic partnership between Nigeria and the UAE, as both countries seek to expand economic diversification, strengthen investment cooperation, and deepen commercial links across sectors including finance, aviation, trade, and infrastructure.
For investors and business leaders, the upward trajectory in non-oil trade signals increasing opportunities in one of Africa’s largest consumer markets and highlights Nigeria’s importance within the UAE’s broader economic engagement strategy across the continent.
