UAE and Nigeria Strengthen Trade Ties Amidst Surging Non-Oil Trade

Officials from the United Arab Emirates and Nigeria are actively working to enhance bilateral trade and customs collaboration. This initiative follows a significant surge in non-oil trade between the two countries over the past two years, demonstrating a robust and growing economic partnership.

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, recently met with the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Salem Saeed, in Abuja. Ambassador Saeed congratulated CGC Adeniyi on his appointment as Chairman of the World Customs Organization (WCO), highlighting it as a significant achievement for Nigeria and Africa. He also commended the Nigerian Customs Service's leadership for their commitment, noting that the partnership with the UAE has yielded strong results, particularly in the non-oil sector.

Cooperation for Future Growth

Ambassador Saeed revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is currently being processed to further strengthen cooperation between the Nigeria Customs Service and UAE Customs. This agreement aims to improve trade facilitation and customs administration processes. The Ambassador underscored the substantial increase in non-oil trade achieved between 2023 and 2025, describing the relationship as one of the best the UAE has maintained despite global challenges.

CGC Adeniyi expressed optimism regarding the engagement, stating that it would solidify the cordial relationship between the two nations. He emphasised a shared goal of simplifying trade, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and using the UAE embassy to foster greater collaboration among customs administrations. Adeniyi also highlighted the need for both countries to work together in identifying and addressing actions that could negatively impact Nigeria's international image, anticipating that stronger cooperation would lead to enhanced security, trust, and economic growth.