President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after spending 20 days abroad as part of his annual leave, during which he participated in high-level diplomatic and economic engagements, including the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
The President’s return was confirmed on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement titled “President Tinubu returns to Nigeria after Abu Dhabi trip.”
Tinubu departed Nigeria for Paris on December 28, 2025, before proceeding to Abu Dhabi to attend the global sustainability summit held from January 11 to 15. His participation marked Nigeria’s second consecutive appearance at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week under his administration, reinforcing the country’s sustained engagement in global conversations on climate action, energy transition and sustainable development.
A major highlight of the trip was the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates. The agreement, witnessed by President Tinubu and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is aimed at deepening bilateral economic ties and expanding trade and investment flows.
The pact provides duty-free access for thousands of Nigerian products into the UAE market and is expected to enhance technology transfer and cooperation across key sectors, including energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining and renewable energy.
Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, signed for the Emirates.
Speaking after the signing, Oduwole said the agreement would significantly improve Nigerian exporters’ access to global markets. She added that Nigerian businesses would be allowed to establish offices and subsidiaries in the UAE, while business owners could stay in the country for up to 90 days within a 12-month period.
At the summit, President Tinubu also outlined Nigeria’s ambitious climate and energy transition plans, announcing that the country aims to mobilise up to $30bn annually in climate and green industrial finance. According to him, the funds would be used to accelerate energy transition reforms and expand electricity access nationwide.
He further disclosed that Nigeria’s Climate Investment Platform would mobilise $500m for climate-resilient infrastructure, while the National Climate Change Fund is targeting a $2bn capitalisation to support climate-related projects.
In addition, the President announced that a joint Nigeria–UAE Investopia summit would be held in Lagos in February, bringing together investors, innovators, policymakers and business leaders to explore new investment opportunities and strengthen economic partnerships.
The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week is an annual global initiative convened by the UAE to promote dialogue on sustainability, climate action and energy transition. The 2026 edition, themed “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,” focused on integrated approaches across finance, technology, energy and human capital to drive sustainable global transitions.