… partnership to strengthen Nigeria’s regional hub status for maritime trade in Africa
Nigeria and the Abu Dhabi Ports Group have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at exploring strategic collaboration in ports development, maritime logistics and digital solutions, marking a major boost to bilateral economic relations between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.
The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the recently concluded Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, underscoring the growing alignment between both countries in trade, infrastructure development and the blue economy.
Nigeria’s delegation to the signing was led by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, while the Chairman of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, H.E. Mohamed Hassan, led the Group’s management team. Also in attendance was the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola.
Following the signing, the Nigerian delegation briefed President Bola Tinubu on the scope, objectives and strategic importance of the agreement.
The MoU, which had been under consideration for more than two decades, forms part of a broader framework of trade and investment engagements between Nigeria and the UAE.
Its eventual execution signals a renewed commitment by both nations to deepen cooperation in the maritime sector, strengthen port infrastructure, enhance logistics efficiency and deploy modern digital solutions to support Nigeria’s marine and blue economy agenda.
The partnership is expected to unlock new opportunities for investment, technology transfer and capacity development within Nigeria’s ports and maritime ecosystem, while positioning the country as a stronger regional hub for maritime trade in Africa.