Nigeria, UAE sign agreement on ports development, maritime logistics

Nigeria has entered into a new partnership with Abu Dhabi Ports group aimed at advancing ports development, maritime logistics, and digital solutions across the country’s maritime sector.

The agreement, formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), was signed during the recently concluded Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. The development is seen as a significant boost to economic and trade relations between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Nigerian delegation was led by Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of marine and blue economy, while Mohamed Hassan, chairman of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, represented the company at the signing ceremony. Also present was Dayo Mobereola, director-general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

In a statement issued by Osagie Edward, NIMASA’s head of public relations, the agency disclosed that the delegation later briefed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the substance and strategic value of the agreement.

According to the statement, the MoU discussed intermittently for more than 20 years fits into wider trade and investment discussions between Nigeria and the UAE. Edward noted that the deal reflects a renewed determination by both countries to strengthen cooperation in the maritime sector and expand opportunities within the blue economy.