Nigeria and 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, in a move expected to strengthen bilateral economic ties between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.
The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the recently concluded Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria–UAE relations, particularly in the maritime and blue economy sectors.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by Osagie Edward, Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations at NIMASA.
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, led the Nigerian delegation to the signing ceremony, while the Chairman of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, H.E. Mohamed Hassan, led the Group’s management team.
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, was also present.
Following the signing, the Nigerian delegation briefed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the details and strategic importance of the agreement.
According to officials, the MoU, which had been under consideration for more than two decades, is part of broader trade and investment engagements between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates. Its formalisation signals a renewed commitment by both countries to deepen cooperation in ports infrastructure, maritime logistics, digitalisation and the wider blue economy.
The agreement is expected to open new opportunities for investment, capacity building and technological advancement in Nigeria’s maritime sector, in line with the federal government’s drive to unlock the economic potential of the blue economy.