Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1982, The bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Federal Republic of Nigeria have seen remarkable growth and have developed into a strategic partnership across all sectors, particularly in the economic and political spheres. The two countries have intensified their cooperation through high-level meetings, investment partnerships and comprehensive bilateral agreements aimed at promoting sustainable development and mutual prosperity.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and His Excellency Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu held several high-level bilateral meetings between 2023 and 2026. The Nigerian President also participated in several important international events in the UAE, including Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. Discussions focused on strengthening economic cooperation, supporting sustainable development, encouraging investment flows, and promoting peace and prosperity.
One of the most significant milestones in relations between the two countries was the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in January 2026, which seeks to boost trade and investment by reducing customs duties, removing trade barriers, and expanding cooperation in key sectors including technology, agriculture, energy, logistics and minerals. The two countries maintain effective cooperation through the UAE-Nigeria Joint Committee and other bilateral committees that oversee the development of cooperation in the political, economic, judicial, cultural and technical fields, providing a solid framework for the sustainability of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
The United Arab Emirates is the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s most important trading partner among Arab countries, and economic and trade relations between the two nations are constantly improving. Nigeria is also considered a key economic gateway for investment and trade in West Africa.
Since the establishment of the UAE Consulate General in Lagos State in 2019, economic and trade relations have seen tangible progress, with the volume of non-oil trade between Nigeria and the UAE doubling over five years to reach US$5 billion by 2025.
There has been an increase in the flow of capital from the UAE to Nigeria, with the UAE ranking among the top countries in terms of the volume of investment flows to Nigeria in recent years. These flows have contributed to the financing of major infrastructure projects in Nigeria, including the Lagos-Calabar coastal road.
In the same context, there have been high-level visits by trade delegations between the two countries at both government and private sector levels. In 2023, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce organized a trade mission to Lagos State, involving 15 companies from Dubai representing 10 sectors and a variety of economic activities, during which a representative office of the Dubai Chamber was opened in Lagos.
Lagos State hosted the first edition of the ‘Investopia’ investment event in February 2026 with the aim of strengthening economic and investment partnerships between the United Arab Emirates and Nigerian markets. His Excellency Mohammed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment, led the UAE delegation with the participation of a large number of Nigerian ministers and government officials, businesspersons and investors, economic experts, and representatives of major private sector companies and institutions from both countries.
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between the UAE and Nigeria in January 2026 marks a historic milestone, ushering in a significant phase in the development of economic cooperation, trade and investment between the two countries.
The agreement primarily aims to reduce or eliminate trade barriers and customs duties, thereby facilitating the smooth flow of goods and services. The partnership opens up vast investment opportunities for the private sectors of both countries in a range of vital sectors, most notably technology, agriculture, precious metals, renewable energy and infrastructure.
The economic team at the Consulate General works to support initiatives and projects that promote trade and mutual investment between the two countries, through effective coordination between trade and investment institutions and the private sector in both countries.
The UAE and NGR share a future-oriented outlook of tolerance, gender equality, diversity, educational advancement, free markets, and the promotion of arts and culture.
In October 2019, the UAE participated in an Arts Exhibition in Lagos state to display various UAE and Nigeria cultures through arts, dance, and music. Different UAE and Nigerian artists participated in this exhibition with the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, as the Special Guest of Honour.
The Consulate General of the UAE in Lagos have since then organised several webinars to further collaborate and exchange knowledge in many areas such as; Women empowerment, Education and science and technology.
This interactive page provides Emirati travelers with personalized travel guidance and essential entry requirements based on their selected destination. Through a user-friendly map interface, travelers can quickly access important information, understand destination-specific regulations and requirements, and prepare confidently for their international journey.
- View destination-specific visa and entry requirements.
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This interactive page provides non-UAE citizens with clear and accessible information about visa requirements for entering the United Arab Emirates. Users can search for their country or nationality and quickly determine whether they are eligible for visa-free entry or are required to obtain a visa before travelling, helping them plan their visit and complete the necessary arrangements in advance.
- Search for visa information by country or nationality.
- Check whether entry to the UAE is visa-free or requires a visa.
- View country-specific visa eligibility information.
- Prepare the required travel and visa arrangements before departure.
