How a New Nigeria-UAE Trade Pact Could Transform West Africa's Aviation Sector

ByUjjwal Sukhwani•January 14, 2026 at 01:34 AM•3 min read

How a New Nigeria-UAE Trade Pact Could Transform West Africa's Aviation Sector

Nigeria and the UAE will co-host Investopia in Lagos in February to boost sustainable investment, following a CEPA pact that includes key cooperation in aviation and logistics.

Key Points

1Nigeria and the UAE will co-host Investopia in Lagos in February to boost sustainable investment inflows.
2The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) specifically includes strengthening cooperation in aviation and logistics.
3Nigeria's aviation sector currently contributes up to $2.5 billion to the GDP, highlighting a strong market for MRO and infrastructure investment.
4The partnership aims to convert investment opportunities into concrete commitments, especially in climate-smart infrastructure.

President Bola Tinubu announced that Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will co-host the Investopia conference in Lagos in February. This event aims to attract global investors and accelerate sustainable investment inflows into the country.

The announcement came during the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW). It followed the conclusion of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two nations. The CEPA is a strategic pact designed to deepen cooperation across several key sectors.

Aviation and Logistics Cooperation

The new Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement specifically includes strengthening cooperation in aviation, logistics, and climate-smart infrastructure. This focus signals a major opportunity for the Nigerian aviation sector. The CEPA was signed by officials including President Tinubu, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and ministers from both countries.

Nigeria’s aviation industry is a critical economic engine. Recent data shows the sector contributes approximately $1.7 billion to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports the sector's total economic footprint is even higher, reaching $2.5 billion and supporting over 217,000 jobs.

Investment Opportunities in Aviation

The CEPA and Investopia conference aim to convert opportunities into concrete investments. This partnership with the UAE, home to global aviation leaders like Emirates, could unlock significant capital.

Key areas for potential Nigerian aviation infrastructure investment include:

Airport Modernization: Upgrading and expanding airport infrastructure to handle growing passenger and cargo traffic.
MRO Services: Developing Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities to reduce reliance on foreign services.
Airline Operations: Supporting the launch of new routes and fleet expansion for Nigerian carriers.

Nigeria is Africa's most populous country. Its growing middle class drives high demand for air travel. Addressing infrastructure constraints is crucial to fully realize this potential.

Broader Economic Context

President Tinubu described the CEPA as a historic and strategic agreement. Beyond aviation, the pact targets renewable energy, logistics, and digital trade. Nigeria aims to mobilize up to $30 billion annually in climate and green industrial finance.

The president also highlighted ongoing economic reforms. These reforms have reportedly delivered a 21 percent growth in non-oil exports. Nigeria has secured over $50 billion in investment commitments across various key sectors. The Investopia platform will convene investors, policymakers, and business leaders in Lagos. This is part of a broader push to build sustainable and shared prosperity.

Stakeholders in the commercial aviation news sector are closely watching the outcomes of the Lagos conference. More details on the specific aviation projects are expected at the event. For more developments in global commercial aviation news, visit https://flying.flights.