President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria’s renewed diplomatic engagement with the United Arab Emirates is yielding concrete economic dividends, following the signing of a strategic trade and investment agreement in Abu Dhabi.
The President commended the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Nigeria’s BUA Group and UAE-based AD Ports Group and MAIR Group, describing it as a major industrial and trade breakthrough under his administration.
He said the agreement reflects the tangible outcomes of strengthened diplomatic ties and expanding economic cooperation between Nigeria and the UAE, driven by his recent state visits and high-level engagements with the Emirati leadership.
In a statement issued by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President said the MoU explores collaboration in sugar refining, agro-industrial development, and integrated global logistics solutions, with sugar refining and advanced logistics infrastructure to be developed in the UAE.
The initiative is expected to enhance value addition, strengthen supply chain resilience, and deepen structured trade flows between West Africa and the Gulf region.
President Tinubu noted that the partnership demonstrates growing international confidence in Nigeria’s reform agenda and reinforces the country’s commitment to export-led industrialisation.
He further stated that the agreement reflects the strength and maturity of Nigerian enterprises capable of competing globally and forming strategic alliances with leading international partners.
“Strategic diplomacy must translate into measurable economic gains.
“This partnership reflects the renewed momentum in Nigeria–UAE relations and our determination to position Nigeria as a competitive industrial and trading nation, while empowering Nigerian businesses to operate confidently on the global stage,” President Tinubu said.
The President also observed that BUA Group’s established industrial base in Nigeria, including its integrated food processing operations and substantial investments in port infrastructure upgrades, provides a strong foundation for expanded international trade integration.
He said, “I must also commend the Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, who continues to believe and invest in various sectors of the Nigerian economy, and has shown the world that Nigerian companies are capable of playing on the global stage.”
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening bilateral economic partnerships that attract investment, expand exports, strengthen Nigerian enterprise, and deliver sustainable prosperity for the country.