Nigeria-UAE MOU Signals Export-Led Industrial Drive - Tinubu

17 February 2026
Leadership (Abuja)
By Jonathan NDA-Isaiah

President Bola Tinubu has commended the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria's BUA Group and United Arab Emirate (UAE)-based AD Ports Group and MAIR Group in Abu Dhabi.

According to a statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the president described the pact as a significant industrial and trade breakthrough arising from renewed Nigeria-UAE engagement under his administration.

The President said the agreement represents a tangible dividend of strengthened diplomatic ties and expanding economic cooperation following his recent state visits and high-level engagements with the leadership of the United Arab Emirates, which prioritised trade, investment, infrastructure, and food security.

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.

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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," President Tinubu said.

"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."

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.

"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.

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