Nigeria, UAE to Co-host Investopia in Lagos February, Seal Major Trade Pact

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced that Nigeria will co-host Investopia with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Lagos this February, as part of efforts to attract global investors and accelerate sustainable investment into the country.

The President made the announcement on Tuesday at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), where Nigeria also sealed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE to deepen bilateral trade and cooperation.

The agreement was signed in the presence of President Tinubu and the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, alongside Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade and Minister in charge of Talent Attraction and Retention, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.

President Tinubu described the CEPA as a historic and strategic milestone that will strengthen cooperation between both countries in renewable energy, infrastructure, aviation, logistics, agriculture, digital trade and climate-smart development.

According to him, the partnership will unlock enduring opportunities for the people of Nigeria and the UAE, while boosting sustainable economic growth.

He explained that Investopia Lagos will bring together global investors, innovators, policymakers and business leaders to convert ideas into concrete investments.

“We warmly invite our partners to join us and help build the next chapter of sustainable and shared prosperity for Nigeria, Africa and the world,” the President said.

Addressing participants at the summit, President Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria aims to mobilise up to $30 billion annually in climate and green industrial finance as it accelerates energy transition reforms and expands electricity access nationwide.

He stressed that electricity remains the foundation of every modern economy, noting that Nigeria is committed to balancing industrialisation with decarbonisation.

The President called for reforms in the global financial architecture, urging a shift away from the heavy reliance on sovereign guarantees for developing economies in favour of blended finance and first-loss capital mechanisms that can unlock private investment for green projects.

President Tinubu also highlighted Nigeria’s strengthened climate governance framework, including the adoption of a National Carbon Market Activation Policy and the launch of a National Carbon Registry, aimed at improving transparency and boosting investor confidence.

He described the Electricity Act 2023 as a key pillar of Nigeria’s energy reforms, enabling decentralised power generation and distribution to underserved communities.

According to him, Nigeria’s climate investment drive includes a $500 million distributed renewable energy fund backed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, as well as a $750 million World Bank programme expected to expand clean electricity access to more than 17.5 million people.

President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 under its Energy Transition Plan, while pursuing industrial growth and universal energy access.

He also invited foreign investors to partner with Nigeria in the lithium and critical minerals sector, emphasising the government’s focus on local processing and value addition.

The President noted that ongoing economic reforms are yielding results, with non-oil exports growing by 21 per cent, rising capital importation and over $50 billion in investment commitments across key sectors.

“We are ready to work with partners across the world to ensure that the next era of development is not only green and inclusive, but just and enduring,” President Tinubu said.