Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have strengthened their economic partnership with the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a strategic move aimed at boosting trade, investment, and cooperation in renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, and digital trade.
The announcement was made by President Tinubu on the sidelines of the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), where he also revealed that Nigeria will co-host Investopia with the UAE in Lagos next month. The initiative is designed to attract global investors and accelerate sustainable investment inflows.
President Tinubu, who witnessed the signing alongside UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, described CEPA as a historic and strategic agreement that will also enhance cooperation in aviation, logistics, agriculture, and climate-smart infrastructure, creating enduring opportunities for citizens of both countries.
The signing ceremony was attended by Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and UAE Minister of Foreign Trade and Minister in charge of Talent Attraction and Retention, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.
Speaking at the Summit, President Tinubu said Investopia will bring together investors, innovators, policymakers, and business leaders to transform opportunities into commitments and ideas into investment.
He stated, “We warmly invite our partners to join us and help build the next chapter of sustainable and shared prosperity for Nigeria, Africa, and the world.”
On Nigeria’s climate and energy ambitions, the President revealed that the country aims to mobilise up to $30 billion annually in climate and green industrial finance as it accelerates energy transition reforms and expands nationwide electricity access.
“The foundation of every modern economy is electricity. As an emerging economy in the Global South, we understand the delicate balance between industrialisation and decarbonisation, ensuring neither is pursued at the expense of the other,” he said.
President Tinubu called for a fundamental shift in the global financial architecture, moving away from restrictive sovereign guarantees, which he said unfairly penalise developing economies.
“Instead, the focus should be on blended finance and first-loss capital mechanisms that allow private sustainable capital flows directly into our green projects without further straining national balance sheets,” he added.
Highlighting reforms to improve transparency and investor confidence, Tinubu said Nigeria has strengthened its climate governance framework with the adoption of a National Carbon Market Activation Policy and the launch of a National Carbon Registry.
He also emphasised the Electricity Act 2023 as a central pillar of the country’s energy reforms, enabling decentralised power generation and distribution to underserved communities.
Nigeria’s climate investment drive includes a $500 million distributed renewable energy fund backed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, as well as a $750 million World Bank programme expected to expand clean electricity access to more than 17.5 million people.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s target of net-zero emissions by 2060 under its Energy Transition Plan, the President stressed that industrial growth and universal energy access will continue alongside environmental goals.
He invited foreign investors to partner in Nigeria’s lithium and critical minerals sector, emphasising that local processing and value addition remain a government priority.
President Tinubu further highlighted the impact of ongoing economic reforms, noting a 21 per cent growth in non-oil exports, increased capital importation, and over $50 billion in investment commitments across key sectors.
“These reforms, alongside wider fiscal and monetary measures, are delivering results. We are ready to work with partners across the world to ensure that the next era of development is not only green and inclusive, but just and enduring,” he said.
