Nigeria’s ambition to diversify beyond oil took a significant step forward as the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) spotlighted business prospects in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the seventh NEPC Connect webinar.
Addressing the session, FMITI Permanent Secretary Amb. Nura Abba Rimi emphasized the strategic importance of the UAE as a gateway to the Gulf, Middle East, and Asia. He urged Nigerian exporters to strengthen product quality, certification, and ethical practices to capitalize on the UAE’s vast market—and help balance a trade relationship that still heavily favors the Emirates.
The NEPC’s Executive Director hailed the session as a high-impact event, noting that while Nigeria exported $27.6 million worth of goods to the UAE in 2024, imports from the region were valued at nearly $1.56 billion. She stressed the need for Nigerian exporters to adopt stronger market strategies and expand value chains, highlighting new partnerships with Dubai Airport Free Zone and Dubai Chamber International as key pathways to Gulf success.
The event also saw input from agencies like Nigeria Customs, NAFDAC, SON, and NITDA, who outlined essential regulatory requirements for export success. UAE partners detailed the logistics, entry procedures, and business climate that make the Emirates a prime target for Nigerian products.
The session ended with a renewed commitment from Nigerian and UAE authorities to deepen trade ties and equip exporters with the knowledge and support needed to thrive in the UAE—and beyond.
