UAE-Nigeria Trade Pact Boosts Aviation; Investopia Summit Set for Lagos.

President Bola Tinubu announced that Nigeria will co-host the global Investopia summit with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Lagos. The event is scheduled for February 2, 2026, at the Eko Convention Centre.

This announcement came during the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW). On the sidelines of the summit, Nigeria and the UAE concluded a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

CEPA: A Strategic Pact for Aviation and Logistics

President Tinubu described the CEPA as a historic and strategic agreement. It is designed to deepen trade and cooperation between the two nations. The pact specifically targets growth in renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, and digital trade.

Crucially for the sector, the CEPA will enhance Nigeria UAE aviation cooperation. This includes logistics, agriculture, and climate-smart infrastructure.

Potential Impact on Air Travel and Cargo

The CEPA is expected to increase trade volume and foster investment services. Industry analysts suggest the deal will support Nigeria's industrialisation agenda. It will also enhance transport and logistics connectivity.

Specifically, the agreement is anticipated to facilitate the Emirates Airlines Nigeria expansion. This would strengthen the airline's footprint in the West African market.

The pact grants duty-free access to over 7,000 Nigerian products in the UAE market. This move is expected to significantly boost West African air cargo operations.

Investopia Lagos 2026: Mobilizing Green Finance

The Investopia Lagos 2026 summit aims to attract global investors. Its goal is to accelerate sustainable investment inflows into Nigeria and Africa.

President Tinubu stated that the conference will gather investors, innovators, and policymakers. The platform is designed to transform ideas into concrete investment commitments.

Nigeria is targeting the mobilization of up to $30 billion annually. This funding is for climate and green industrial finance.

Key Investment and Reform Signals

The Nigerian government is strengthening its climate governance framework. This includes adopting a National Carbon Market Activation Policy. A National Carbon Registry has also been launched to boost investor confidence.

Nigeria's energy reforms are centered on the Electricity Act 2023. This law enables decentralised power generation and distribution.

Investment drives include a $500 million distributed renewable energy fund. This is backed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority. A $750 million World Bank programme is also in place.

President Tinubu called for a shift in global finance architecture. He urged a move away from restrictive sovereign guarantees. The focus should instead be on blended finance mechanisms.

Nigeria's ongoing economic reforms are showing tangible results. Non-oil exports have grown by 21 per cent. Total investment commitments now exceed $50 billion across key sectors.

For more information on global trade and air transport policy, visit our commercial aviation news section. The CEPA and Investopia event signal a major push for climate-smart infrastructure development in the region. This is a critical development for all aviation stakeholders.