Tinubu Returns to Abuja After Abu Dhabi Trip
President Bola Tinubu has arrived back in Abuja after attending the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, where Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates concluded a major trade agreement aimed at strengthening economic ties between both countries.
The President’s return was confirmed on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who issued a statement on the completion of the trip.
Tinubu had left Nigeria on December 28, 2025, travelling to Paris to complete the remaining part of his annual leave before heading to Abu Dhabi for the summit, which took place from January 11 to 15. The President also attended the same global gathering in 2025.
While in Abu Dhabi, Nigeria and the UAE signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement designed to expand bilateral trade and investment. The agreement allows duty-free entry for thousands of Nigerian products into the UAE market and is expected to deepen cooperation in areas such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, renewable energy, and technology transfer.
The agreement was signed on Nigeria’s behalf by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, while UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, signed for the Emirates. President Tinubu and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan witnessed the signing.
Speaking after the ceremony, Oduwole said the deal would open new global market opportunities for Nigerian exporters. She explained that Nigerian businesses would be able to establish offices and subsidiaries in the UAE, with business owners permitted to stay in the country for up to 90 days within a 12-month period.
During his address at the summit, Tinubu announced that Nigeria plans to mobilise up to $30bn annually in climate and green industrial financing to support energy transition reforms and expand electricity access nationwide. He revealed that the Climate Investment Platform is targeting $500m for climate-resilient infrastructure, while the National Climate Change Fund is seeking a $2bn capital base.
The President also disclosed plans to host a joint Nigeria-UAE Investopia summit in Lagos in February, expected to attract investors, policymakers, innovators, and business leaders to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria.
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week is an annual global initiative organised by the UAE to promote dialogue on sustainability, climate action, and energy transition. The 2026 edition, themed “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,” focused on coordinated efforts across finance, technology, energy, and human capital to drive sustainable development.
