Nigeria’s non-oil trade with the United Arab Emirates rose to $5 billion in 2025 from $4.3 billion recorded in 2024, as both countries intensify efforts to deepen economic and diplomatic relations.
The development came as the UAE announced plans to open the First Abu Dhabi Bank in Lagos and disclosed that Etihad Airways would commence flight operations to Abuja this year.
The UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, disclosed this during a visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Magnus Eze, the envoy said, economic relations between both countries had remained robust and dynamic, particularly in the area of non-oil trade.
Al-Shamsi commended the growing partnership between the two nations, noting that, “non-oil trade increased from $4.3 billion in 2024 to $5 billion in 2025 and could reach about $8 billion by 2027”.
The ambassador also disclosed that visa restrictions for Nigerians had been eased, added that Nigerian travellers were no longer experiencing visa rejections for visits to the UAE.
According to him, more than 15,000 Nigerians travelled to the UAE within the last year following the easing of restrictions.
He further reaffirmed the, UAE’s support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, revealing that his country had issued at least eight statements condemning terrorist attacks in Nigeria.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for Al-Shamsi to present a letter of congratulations from the UAE’s Deputy
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