Tinubu returns after Abu Dhabi trip, unveils new trade, climate finance push

President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after attending the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, where Nigeria recorded a major economic milestone with the signing of a trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The President’s return was confirmed on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement titled “President Tinubu returns to Nigeria after Abu Dhabi trip.”

Tinubu departed Nigeria on December 28, 2025, to Paris to complete his annual leave before travelling to Abu Dhabi for the global sustainability summit, which took place from January 11 to 15. The President also attended the same summit in 2025.

At the event, Nigeria and the UAE signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) designed to significantly boost bilateral trade and investment. The agreement allows duty-free access for thousands of Nigerian products into the UAE market and is expected to strengthen cooperation in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, renewable energy and technology transfer.

The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi. President Tinubu and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan were present at the signing.

Speaking after the ceremony, Oduwole said the pact would position the UAE as a gateway for Nigerian exports to global markets. She added that Nigerian businesses would be able to establish offices and subsidiaries in the Emirates, while business owners would enjoy up to 90 days of stay within a 12-month period.

In his address at the summit, President Tinubu announced that Nigeria is targeting the mobilisation of up to $30 billion annually in climate and green industrial financing to drive energy transition reforms and expand access to electricity nationwide.

He also revealed that the Climate Investment Platform is expected to raise $500 million for climate-resilient infrastructure projects, while the National Climate Change Fund is aiming for a $2 billion capitalisation.

The President further disclosed plans to host a joint Nigeria-UAE Investopia summit in Lagos in February, underscoring Nigeria’s push to attract foreign investment and deepen economic ties with the Gulf state.