UAE strengthens logistics to deepen Nigeria trade partnerships

The United Arab Emirates has intensified efforts to strengthen trade corridors and enhance logistics coordination with Nigeria.

This move is seen as significant for Nigeria and other key African markets that rely on seamless cargo flows and strategic trade partnerships.

The position was made known by the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, who chaired a high-level coordination meeting hosted by the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation at its headquarters in Dubai, according to a statement on Wednesday.

The meeting brought together senior executives from global shipping lines and representatives of maritime associations as part of ongoing efforts to address current challenges impacting regional supply chains. It was attended by Abdulla bin Damithan, Chairman of the PCFC, and Abdulla Busenad, alongside senior leaders from the UAE logistics and maritime sectors.

During the meeting, Al Zeyoudi reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to safeguarding the continuity of trade flows and strengthening regional supply chain resilience through collaboration and forward-looking solutions.

He noted that ongoing coordination among key stakeholders reflects the UAE’s approach to advancing partnerships and deepening regional and international cooperation, aimed at enhancing the efficiency, agility and responsiveness of supply chains to ensure uninterrupted movement of goods, particularly essential and strategic commodities.

Efforts are also underway to strengthen alternative trade corridors and implement advanced customs and operational frameworks to reinforce the UAE’s competitiveness as a global trade and logistics hub.

The UAE’s commitment is particularly relevant for markets such as Nigeria, where efficient trade flows remain critical to economic stability. According to Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria recorded a trade surplus of N113tn in 2025.

As one of Africa’s largest economies and a key maritime hub in West Africa, Nigeria continues to rely on resilient and well-coordinated global supply chains to support sectors such as energy, manufacturing and agriculture, underscoring the importance of strengthened UAE–Africa logistics collaboration.

Al Zeyoudi said, “The UAE will continue to play a pivotal role in supporting regional and international trade stability through targeted initiatives and adaptive policies that enhance supply chain performance and sustainability. The UAE stands ready to deepen its engagement with regional and international partners to build a more connected, resilient, and future-ready trade ecosystem.”

For his part, Bin Damithan highlighted the importance of sustained coordination and collaboration among stakeholders, noting progress made since the previous meeting in addressing regional challenges to ensure continued trade flows into the UAE.

He said the meeting provided a platform to review recently implemented initiatives and explore opportunities for further collaboration in the next phase, aimed at developing practical and sustainable solutions to enhance supply chain efficiency and continuity.

He reiterated that ensuring the uninterrupted flow of essential goods remains a top priority, alongside reinforcing the UAE’s position as a reliable regional and global logistics hub.

Meanwhile, Busenad outlined key customs initiatives implemented to support trade flows and improve operational efficiency, reaffirming Dubai Customs’ commitment to proactive and innovative solutions.

“Over the past period, we have successfully implemented several high-impact initiatives that facilitated cargo movement and enhanced supply chain efficiency. These include the issuance of Customs Notice No. (6), enabling transit cargo movement through the green corridor with the Sultanate of Oman, the acceptance of undertaking letters as valid guarantees, and the organization of workshops with traders to explain green corridor mechanisms and address their enquiries,” he said.

He added, “We are currently rolling out several pilot projects, including the activation of the Advance Cargo Information (ACI) system through shipping companies for all green corridor cargo, as well as the launch of a new maritime feeder service linking the region with India, further strengthening trade connectivity.”

The development reflects deepening trade and investment ties between the UAE and Nigeria, supported by growing cooperation across logistics, infrastructure and non-oil sectors.

As one of Nigeria’s key trading partners in the Middle East, the UAE continues to play an important role in supporting trade flows, investment and connectivity. Strengthening supply chain resilience and expanding trade corridors are expected to reinforce this bilateral relationship and unlock new opportunities for economic growth, positioning both countries as strategic partners in Africa’s evolving trade landscape.