NPA and Abu Dhabi Ports Advance Trade Partnership at Investopia Lagos

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Abu Dhabi Ports Group are intensifying discussions to bolster Nigeria’s role as West Africa’s premier trade gateway. This follows the recent momentum from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to the UAE, where both nations signed a landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in mid-January 2026.

The CEPA expands collaboration in renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, and digital trade, aiming to position Nigeria as a key regional and global commerce hub. At the ADSW, President Tinubu underscored Nigeria’s green energy ambitions, including $30 billion in annual investments and a net-zero target by 2060, while announcing the co-hosting of Investopia in Lagos to channel global capital into sustainable opportunities.

The Investopia Global Lagos event, taking place today at the Eko Convention Centre, unites senior government officials, investors, and industry leaders from Nigeria and the UAE. Co-hosted by the two nations, the forum focuses on mobilising investments in critical sectors such as infrastructure, logistics, energy transition, financial systems, and resilient supply chains—essential drivers of Africa’s long-term economic growth.

NPA Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, joins Mohamed Almenhali, Regional CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, on a high-level panel titled “Infrastructure and Logistics for Africa’s Next Phase of Trade.” The session will explore enhancements to ports, trade corridors, and digital infrastructure, leveraging UAE expertise to develop competitive, future-ready maritime systems that strengthen Nigeria’s position in global trade.

Distinguished speakers include Investopia CEO Dr. Jean Fares, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, UAE Minister of Investment Mohamed H. Alsuwaidi, FIRST E&P CEO Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, Africa Finance Corporation President Samaila Zubairu, and First HoldCo Chairman Femi Otedola.

The NPA reaffirms its dedication to efficient, competitive, and sustainable port operations that drive national trade expansion and regional integration. Stakeholders express strong optimism that these engagements will forge new partnerships, unlocking economic potential for Nigeria and the broader African continent.