The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has eased visa restrictions for Nigerian travellers, paving the way for stronger economic and diplomatic ties between both countries as bilateral non-oil trade rose to $5 billion in 2025.
- +UAE eases visa access for Nigerians as bilateral trade climbs to $5bn
This was disclosed by Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, during a visit to Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador in Abuja.
This was disclosed by Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, during a visit to Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador in Abuja.
Al-Shamsi said visa-related concerns that had strained travel between the two countries had largely been resolved, adding that Nigerian nationals were no longer facing visa rejections when applying to travel to the UAE.
According to him, the improvement in visa access has already translated into increased travel, with more than 15,000 Nigerians visiting the UAE in the past year following the easing of restrictions.
The ambassador described the progress as part of efforts to deepen bilateral relations, noting that economic cooperation between both nations has continued to expand.
He revealed that non-oil trade between Nigeria and the UAE grew from $4.3 billion in 2024 to $5 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach about $8 billion by 2027.
The envoy attributed the growth to stronger commercial engagement, investment partnerships and increasing people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, which have enjoyed diplomatic relations since 1971.
As part of efforts to further strengthen economic ties, Al-Shamsi announced that the First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) would soon commence operations in Lagos.
He also disclosed that Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national carrier, would begin flights to Abuja later this year, a move expected to boost business travel, tourism and investment opportunities.
The ambassador emphasized that the UAE remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s development and security objectives, noting that his country has consistently condemned acts of terrorism in Nigeria.
According to him, the UAE has issued at least eight statements denouncing terrorist attacks in the country, reaffirming its solidarity with Nigeria in the fight against insecurity.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the envoy to present a congratulatory letter from Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Odumegwu-Ojukwu on her appointment as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Responding, Odumegwu-Ojukwu welcomed the progress made in resolving visa-related challenges, describing it as one of the most significant achievements in the relationship between both countries over the past year.
The minister recalled that concerns surrounding visa access had featured prominently during her tenure as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs but expressed satisfaction that many of the issues had now been addressed.
“I am happy to say that a lot of the issues raised when I was Minister of State for Foreign Affairs have been resolved in less than a year, especially regarding visas,” she said.
She noted that the easing of travel restrictions had contributed to increased movement of people and strengthened economic engagement between both countries.
The minister also commended the UAE for helping to expand trade relations with Nigeria.
“In addition, you have been able to move the non-oil trade volume between both countries from $4.3 billion in 2024 to over $5 billion in 2025. This shows your commitment and unrelenting effort in deepening our bilateral relations,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining a conducive environment for foreign direct investment, including investments from UAE-based sovereign wealth funds and private businesses.
She said both countries were also working towards implementing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) recently signed by Nigeria and the UAE.
According to her, the agreement is expected to transform economic relations between the two nations by creating new opportunities for businesses, professionals and workers.
The minister further revealed that Sheikh Abdullah was the first foreign dignitary to call and congratulate her following her elevation by President Bola Tinubu to the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs.
“I am so pleased to have received the call from His Highness, the Deputy Prime Minister, and his prayers and encouragement to me. It was actually the first of such calls.
“He even extended an invitation for me to visit the UAE. This profound gesture is most sincerely appreciated,” she said.
She reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic cooperation with the Gulf nation, expressing optimism that the recent breakthroughs on visas, trade, investment and connectivity would usher in a new phase of mutually beneficial relations.
