President Bola Tinubu has unveiled major initiatives at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026 aimed at attracting global investment and accelerating Nigeria’s sustainable economic growth. Central to this effort is Nigeria’s plan to co-host Investopia with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Lagos this February, bringing together global investors, policymakers, and innovators to translate ideas into tangible investments and strengthen Nigeria’s profile as an investment destination.

Alongside this announcement, Nigeria and the UAE concluded a landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in the presence of President Tinubu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The agreement is expected to deepen trade and cooperation across critical sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, digital trade, aviation, agriculture, and climate-smart infrastructure, creating long-term opportunities for both countries.

The CEPA offers significant benefits for Nigeria, particularly in expanding exports. The UAE will immediately eliminate tariffs on over 7,000 Nigerian products, including agricultural and industrial goods such as fish, seafood, oil seeds, cereals, cotton, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. Tariffs on machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, apparel, and furniture will be phased out within three to five years. The agreement also simplifies business establishment for Nigerian firms in the UAE, allows business visitors up to 90 days of entry annually, and permits intra-corporate transferees to relocate for renewable three-year terms.

In return, Nigeria will remove tariffs on about 6,000 products, with 60 percent eliminated immediately and the remainder phased out over five years, focusing on industrial inputs, capital goods, and machinery, while maintaining its Import Prohibition List. Nigeria’s services commitments cover 99 services across 10 sectors, including business, communications, transport, finance, construction, health, environment, and tourism.

Beyond trade, the CEPA positions Nigeria as a strategic gateway to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market of 1.4 billion people. Growing investor confidence is already evident, with increased participation by UAE institutions such as First Abu Dhabi Bank in infrastructure projects, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road. Relevant ministries and agencies have signaled readiness to ensure swift implementation.

President Tinubu also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to climate action, targeting up to $30 billion annually in climate and green industrial finance to support energy-transition reforms and expand electricity access. Nigeria has strengthened its climate governance through a National Carbon Market Activation Policy, a National Carbon Registry, and reforms under the Electricity Act 2023, alongside investments such as a $500 million renewable energy fund and a $750 million World Bank-backed electrification program.

Nigeria remains committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 while pursuing industrial growth and inclusive development. According to President Tinubu, ongoing reforms have driven a 21 percent rise in non-oil exports and over $50 billion in investment commitments. He concluded by inviting global partners to collaborate in building a green, inclusive, and sustainable future for Nigeria and beyond.