Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) during a bilateral meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The meeting is scheduled to take place on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, stated that the agreement will formalize ongoing economic engagements, boost investor confidence, and offer mutual protection for businesses operating in both countries. CEPA is seen as a key outcome of President Tinubu’s participation in the sustainability summit, addressing investor concerns and providing safeguards for Nigerian businesses operating in Dubai and other parts of the UAE.

“It also protects the investments of Nigerians. Some actually even have factories. This further protects them, dignifies the Nigerian and ensures that Nigerians are respected wherever they go to invest or visit,” Tuggar explained.

The Minister described Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week as a strategic platform bridging global climate conferences like COP, allowing countries to move from declarations to tangible project implementation. Nigeria’s participation is aimed at translating climate commitments into funded, actionable projects.

Priority Sectors for Collaboration:

• Gas development for electricity generation, addressing Nigeria’s energy deficit and persistent power outages.
• Expanded trade relations, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing.
• Financial and aviation frameworks, easing operations for Nigerians abroad.

Tuggar also noted that President Tinubu will outline Nigeria’s climate change priorities, nationally determined contributions (NDCs), and plans to make climate-related projects bankable to attract global funding.

The CEPA is expected to protect investments, attract UAE funding into Nigeria, and strengthen bilateral economic ties across key sectors, including energy, trade, agriculture, and finance.