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 this year. The announcement, made on Thursday morning, marks a significant step in the strengthening of bilateral ties between the two nations.
Tinubu Extends Invitation During Abu Dhabi UAE Sustainability Week
President Bola Tinubu extended the invitation to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2025. The Nigerian leader, who arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, participated in the global event, which serves as a platform for addressing sustainability challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and energy crises.
Speaking during the event, President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable development and applauded the UAE for hosting a successful forum. He also emphasized the importance of collective action in tackling global challenges. In response, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed expressed his gratitude for Tinubu’s attendance and voiced the UAE’s determination to deepen economic collaboration with Nigeria.
Focus on Sustainable Development and Climate Change
President Tinubu participated in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, a high-profile forum aimed at promoting sustainable development and addressing global challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and energy crises. Speaking at the event on Wednesday, the Nigerian leader presented the country’s position on these critical issues, advocating for collective action to drive meaningful change.
President Tinubu commended the UAE for organizing the impactful event and congratulated Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on its success. The forum provided a platform for Nigeria to showcase its commitment to sustainable policies while exploring partnerships to tackle global environmental challenges.
Economic Reforms and Investment Opportunities in Nigeria
During the discussions, President Tinubu underscored the success of his administration’s economic reforms, which he said have stabilized and stimulated growth in Africa’s largest economy. He noted that these reforms have renewed international confidence in Nigeria, with several foreign investors and oil companies announcing billion-dollar investments.
The Nigerian leader urged the UAE to leverage the opportunities in Nigeria’s economy by investing in critical sectors, including energy, technology, and infrastructure. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed optimism about deepening economic cooperation and attracting Emirati investments into Nigeria to foster mutual growth.
High-Level Delegations at the Meeting
The bilateral talks were attended by key officials from both nations, reflecting the importance of the discussions. Accompanying President Tinubu were Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
On the UAE side, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, were present. Other notable UAE officials included Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology.
The meeting, held at the prestigious Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, underscored the mutual commitment of both nations to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations. President Tinubu expressed gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their stay in Abu Dhabi. Strengthening Economic Cooperation
Economic development was a key focus of the discussions between the two leaders. According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the leaders explored ways to attract UAE investments into Nigeria.
President Tinubu showcased his government’s economic reforms, which he claimed have stabilized the economy and fostered renewed investor confidence. He cited recent billion-dollar investments announced by international oil companies as evidence of the success of these reforms. Tinubu urged the UAE to partner with Nigeria in further advancing economic growth, signaling a commitment to fostering mutually beneficial trade and investment opportunities.
Paving the Way for Closer Ties
The upcoming visit of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Nigeria is expected to further solidify the relationship between the two nations. President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the UAE President for the warm reception he and his delegation received in Abu Dhabi. The visit will likely focus on enhancing bilateral trade, energy cooperation, and investments in key sectors, cementing Nigeria’s position as a strategic partner in the Gulf region.
This milestone underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fostering international partnerships that support economic growth, sustainability, and regional cooperation. Both nations are poised to leverage this opportunity to achieve shared goals in addressing global challenges and promoting mutual prosperity.
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