The Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, has disclosed that non-oil trade between Nigeria and the UAE increased to $5 billion in 2025, reflecting the strengthening economic partnership between both countries.

The PUNCH reported that according to a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Magnus Eze, the envoy made the disclosure during a visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in Abuja.

Al-Shamsi revealed that non-oil trade between Nigeria and the UAE rose from $4.3 billion in 2024 to $5 billion in 2025, attributing the growth to expanding economic cooperation and increased business activities between the two nations.

He expressed optimism that the trade volume could climb further to about $8 billion by 2027 if the current level of engagement and collaboration between both countries is maintained.

The ambassador also announced that the First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) would soon commence operations in Lagos, a move expected to enhance business opportunities and investment relations between Nigeria and the UAE.

He further informed the minister that Etihad Airways would begin flight operations to Abuja later this year, a development expected to improve connectivity and strengthen commercial relations.

Addressing visa-related concerns, Al-Shamsi stated that challenges previously encountered by Nigerian travellers had been largely resolved, noting that Nigerians no longer faced visa rejections when applying to visit the UAE.

He disclosed that more than 15,000 Nigerians had travelled to the UAE within the past year following the easing of visa restrictions.

The envoy also reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in its fight against terrorism, noting that his country had issued no fewer than eight statements condemning terrorist attacks in Nigeria.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for Al-Shamsi to deliver a letter of congratulations from the UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Odumegwu-Ojukwu on her appointment as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Speaking during the meeting, Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded in addressing visa-related issues between Nigeria and the UAE.

The minister said: “I am happy to say that a lot of the issues raised when I was minister of state for foreign affairs, have been resolved in less than a year, especially regarding visas.

“In addition, you have been able to move the non-oil trade volume between both countries from $4.3billion in 2024 to over $5billion in 2025. This shows your commitment and unrelenting effort in deepening our bilateral relations.”

Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for foreign direct investment, including investments from UAE-based sovereign wealth funds and private sector organisations.

She also noted that both countries were working towards implementing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which was recently signed by Nigeria and the UAE.

According to the minister, the agreement is expected to deepen economic relations between the two countries while creating new opportunities for businesses, professionals and workers in both nations.