By Danjuma Amodu | January 18, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria following his participation in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW2026), which brought together global leaders and stakeholders to discuss climate action, energy transition, and sustainable development.
On the sidelines of the summit, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aimed at deepening economic cooperation between the two nations. The agreement seeks to boost bilateral trade and investment, enhance technology transfer, and expand collaboration in key sectors, including energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, and renewable energy.
In his address at the summit, President Tinubu announced that a joint Nigeria-UAE INVESTOPIA will be held in Lagos this February, with the goal of attracting global investors to Nigeria. He also revealed that Nigeria aims to mobilize up to $30 billion annually in climate and green industrial finance as part of its efforts to accelerate energy transition reforms and expand electricity access across the country.
Upon his return, President Tinubu is expected to focus on implementing the Nigeria-UAE CEPA, ensuring its provisions translate into tangible economic benefits for Nigeria. He will also prioritize mobilizing climate and green finance, targeting up to $30 billion annually to fund climate-resilient infrastructure and energy transition projects. Additionally, he is expected to advance energy sector reforms, operationalize the Electricity Act of 2023 to deliver decentralized, off-grid power to rural communities, and prepare for the upcoming INVESTOPIA in Lagos, which aims to showcase Nigeria’s reform priorities and attract global investors. Strengthening domestic climate governance, including activating the National Carbon Market and expanding clean electricity access, is also high on his agenda.
The President’s return marks the conclusion of a trip focused on strengthening Nigeria’s international partnerships for sustainable development and economic growth, and signals a busy period ahead as his administration works to deliver on these key priorities.
