Nigeria, UAE Move to Deepen Maritime Partnership, Boost Trade Volumes

Abuja, January 23, 2026

Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are taking significant steps to strengthen maritime and trade ties through high-level engagements on ports development, logistics, and digital solutions.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, recently hosted UAE Consul-General Salem Al-Jaberi in Abuja, following Nigeria’s participation in Abu Dhabi, to explore strategic collaboration in maritime and trade sectors.

Dr. Dantsoho emphasized Nigeria’s commitment, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to deepen cooperation with Abu Dhabi, particularly in the non-oil sector. He highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at improving port efficiency, logistics, and adopting digital solutions to facilitate trade.

Consul-General Al-Jaberi reaffirmed the UAE’s readiness to expand trade relations with Nigeria, noting the potential for joint investments and technology transfer. Both sides also expressed interest in leveraging opportunities presented during Sustainability Week, where discussions included the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding to promote maritime and trade growth.
This development signals a renewed focus on strategic partnerships that go beyond traditional oil trade, reflecting Nigeria’s broader economic diversification goals.