The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Abu Dhabi Ports Group to deepen cooperation in maritime development, ports infrastructure, logistics, and the blue economy sector.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the recently concluded Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, marking a major milestone in Nigeria–United Arab Emirates (UAE) economic relations. The MoU aims to explore strategic collaboration in port development, maritime logistics, digital solutions, and capacity building.

Nigeria’s delegation was led by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, while the Chairman of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, Mohamed Hassan, led the UAE side. The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, was also present at the signing ceremony.

According to officials, the agreement—described as a breakthrough after being under consideration for more than two decades—forms part of broader trade and investment engagements between Nigeria and the UAE. The delegation later briefed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the details and strategic importance of the MoU, highlighting its potential to modernise Nigeria’s ports, improve efficiency, and attract foreign investment into the maritime sector.

The Federal Government said the partnership is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s blue economy agenda by boosting infrastructure development, enhancing operational efficiency, and supporting sustainable economic growth through maritime trade and logistics.