Politics
Nigeria, UAE to Co-Host Investopia in Lagos, Seal Landmark Trade Pact
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced that Nigeria will co-host Investopia with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Lagos this February, marking a major step in the country’s push to attract global investors and accelerate sustainable investment inflows.
The announcement was made on Tuesday at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026, where Nigeria and the UAE also concluded a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aimed at deepening trade, investment, and economic cooperation between both countries.
Nigeria, UAE Sign CEPA to Boost Trade and Investment
The CEPA was signed in the presence of President Tinubu; UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; and the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade and Minister in charge of Talent Attraction and Retention, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.
President Tinubu described the agreement as a historic and strategic pact that will expand cooperation across critical sectors, including aviation, logistics, agriculture, renewable energy, climate-smart infrastructure, and digital trade.
According to him, the partnership will unlock long-term opportunities, strengthen supply chains, and create shared prosperity for both nations.
Investopia Lagos to Attract Global Investors
The President said Investopia Lagos will serve as a high-level platform bringing together global investors, innovators, policymakers, and business leaders to convert ideas into actionable 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,” Tinubu said.
Nigeria Targets $30 Billion in Green Finance Annually
Speaking at the summit, President Tinubu revealed that Nigeria aims to mobilise up to $30 billion annually in climate and green industrial finance as it advances energy-transition reforms and expands electricity access nationwide.
He stressed that electricity remains the backbone of economic development, noting the need to balance industrialisation with decarbonisation as a Global South economy. Tinubu also called for reforms in the global financial system, advocating blended finance and first-loss capital rather than restrictive sovereign guarantees.
Energy Reforms and Climate Governance
The President 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 to enhance transparency and boost investor confidence.
He also described the Electricity Act 2023 as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy reforms, enabling decentralised power generation for underserved communities. Ongoing initiatives include a $500 million distributed renewable energy fund and a $750 million World Bank-supported programme expected to provide clean electricity to over 17.5 million Nigerians.
Commitment to Net-Zero and Economic Growth
President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 under the Energy Transition Plan, while pursuing industrial growth, local value addition in critical minerals, and inclusive development.
He noted that recent economic reforms have contributed to a 21 per cent increase in non-oil exports and improved investor confidence.
“We are ready to work with partners across the world to ensure that the next era of development is green, inclusive, just, and enduring,” the President said.
Follow BONA NAIJA for me
