Abuja, February 16, 2026 — Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria’s BUA Group and UAE-based AD Ports Group and MAIR Group in Abu Dhabi, describing the development as a major boost to industrial and trade cooperation between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.
In a statement issued on Monday, the President characterised the agreement as a significant outcome of renewed Nigeria–UAE relations under his administration, noting that recent state visits and high-level engagements with UAE leaders had prioritised trade, investment, infrastructure, and food security.
According to the Presidency, the MoU outlines plans for collaboration in sugar refining, agro-industrial development, and integrated global logistics solutions. The agreement includes proposals to develop sugar refining and advanced logistics infrastructure in the UAE, a move expected to enhance value addition, improve supply chain resilience, and strengthen structured trade flows between West Africa and the Gulf region.
President Tinubu said the partnership underscores growing international confidence in Nigeria’s economic reform agenda and aligns with the administration’s push for export-led industrialisation.
“Strategic diplomacy must translate into measurable economic gains,” the President stated. “This partnership reflects the renewed momentum in Nigeria–UAE relations and our determination to position Nigeria as a competitive industrial and trading nation, while empowering Nigerian businesses to operate confidently on the global stage.”
He also highlighted BUA Group’s extensive industrial footprint in Nigeria, including its integrated food processing operations and investments in port infrastructure, as a strong platform for expanded international trade integration.
The President commended the Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, for sustained investments across key sectors of the Nigerian economy, noting that Nigerian companies are increasingly demonstrating their capacity to compete globally and forge strategic international partnerships.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening bilateral economic partnerships aimed at attracting investment, boosting exports, strengthening domestic enterprises, and delivering sustainable economic growth.
