At Investopia, UAE Eyes Over $10bn Investments in Nigeria’s Infrastructure, Agriculture, Tech Sectors

At Investopia, UAE Eyes Over $10bn Investments in Nigeria’s Infrastructure, Agriculture, Tech Sectors

During the first “Investopia Global Africa” event co-hosted by Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Lagos, key leaders highlighted significant investment opportunities between the two countries. The UAE’s Minister of Investment, Mr. Mohamed H. Alsuwaidi, projected that UAE public and private sector investments in Nigeria could exceed $10 billion in the coming years. He emphasized that despite nearly 50 years of bilateral trade, investment levels have been low, and he sees vast opportunities in industries such as infrastructure, agriculture, power, mining, financial services, transport, and wastewater management. Alsuwaidi encouraged private-sector-driven investments, stressing transparency, quick wins on smaller projects, and building strong business-to-business relationships.

Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, described Nigeria as a strategic hub for accessing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). She highlighted diverse investment opportunities in solid minerals, agribusiness, technology, AI, data centers, financial services, tourism, real estate, oil and gas, aviation, and repurposed Free Economic Zones. Oduwole assured investors of a secure, legally structured, and opportunity-rich environment, stressing that challenges can be turned into investment opportunities.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also urged local and international investors to partner with the state, noting the administration’s focus on infrastructure development, security, and creating an enabling environment for business. He highlighted ongoing projects, including Lekki Port, Badagry Port, a new international airport, and plans for a major logistics hub. Sanwo-Olu also spoke about the Lagos International Financial Center (LIFC), aiming to establish a globally supported financial hub with an African-centered model.

Overall, the event underscored a strong push for increased UAE investment in Nigeria, leveraging government support, private sector engagement, and strategic infrastructure projects to drive economic growth and position Nigeria as a leading investment destination in Africa.

This Day, 4 Feb  2026