Relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Federal Republic of Nigeria are based on diplomatic foundations established on 20 January 1982, and have since expanded to include various fields such as politics, economy, culture, and social affairs.
Economic cooperation between the two sides has included the signing and ratification of several agreements, including the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, the Air Services Agreement, and the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, in addition to the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which has contributed to establishing a legal framework governing economic relations between the two countries.
The first session of the Joint Committee between the two countries was held on 26 July 2022 in Abu Dhabi, chaired by His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, and His Excellency Ambassador Zubairu Dada, former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, during which memoranda of understanding were signed in the fields of culture, youth, and sports.
Bilateral relations have also been marked by a series of high-level visits and meetings, most notably:
- In January 2026, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, participated in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2026) in Abu Dhabi, where he met with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. During the visit, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed between the two countries.
- In January 2025, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu participated in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2025) in the United Arab Emirates, where he met with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.
- In December 2023, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu participated in COP28 in Dubai, where he also met with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.
- In November 2023, Her Excellency Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, visited Abuja, where they met with His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and delivered a message from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, regarding the strengthening of bilateral relations.
- In September 2023, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, met with His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abu Dhabi, where they discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.
- On 29 May 2023, His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan led the UAE delegation to the inauguration ceremony of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
- On 26 July 2022, the first session of the Joint Commission between the two countries was held in Abu Dhabi, during which His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan met with His Excellency Ambassador Zubairu Dada, resulting in the signing of several memoranda of understanding in various fields, including culture, youth, and sports.
- In May 2022, former President Muhammadu Buhari visited the United Arab Emirates, where he held high-level discussions with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.
- In December 2021, His Excellency Professor Yemi Osinbajo participated in the World LPG Forum in Abu Dhabi. He also met with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, during Nigeria Day at Expo 2020 Dubai.
