First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the largest bank in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Etihad Airways are set to launch operations in Nigeria as both countries strengthen economic and commercial relations.
The UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, disclosed this during a meeting with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in Abuja, stating that FAB plans to establish operations in Lagos, while Etihad Airways will commence flights to Abuja later this year.
The envoy also revealed that visa access for Nigerians travelling to the UAE has improved significantly, noting that visa rejections are no longer being recorded for Nigerian applicants.
“There are no longer visa rejections for Nigerian nationals travelling to the UAE,” Al-Shamsi said, adding that more than 15,000 Nigerians visited the Gulf nation in the past year following the easing of visa restrictions.
He further disclosed that non-oil trade between both countries rose from $4.3 billion in 2024 to $5 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach about $8 billion by 2027 as commercial ties continue to expand.
Al-Shamsi reaffirmed the UAE’s support for Nigeria’s security efforts, stressing that his government has consistently condemned terrorist attacks in the country.
Responding, Odumegwu-Ojukwu welcomed the progress in bilateral relations, noting that many of the issues previously raised between both countries had been resolved within the past year, particularly those relating to visa processing.
The minister commended the growth in non-oil trade and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to attracting investments from UAE sovereign wealth funds and private investors. She also expressed confidence that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed by both countries would further strengthen trade, investment opportunities and professional exchanges between Nigeria and the UAE.
