UAE, Nigeria’s trade expansion reinforces need for resilient logistics
As Nigeria expands its trade footprint, the need for more resilient and efficient global supply chains has become critical. Against this backdrop, United Arab Emirates is intensifying efforts to strengthen
As Nigeria expands its trade footprint, the need for more resilient and efficient global supply chains has become critical. Against this backdrop, United Arab Emirates is intensifying efforts to strengthen trade corridors and enhance logistics coordination, a move that holds relevance for Nigeria and other key African markets reliant on seamless cargo flows and strategic trade partnerships.
This position was made known by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE minister of Foreign Trade, who chaired a high-level coordination meeting hosted by Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) in Dubai. The meeting brought together senior executives from global shipping lines and representatives of maritime associations as part of efforts to address challenges impacting regional supply chains.
The meeting was attended by Abdulla bin Damithan, chair of PCFC, and Dr. Abdulla Busenad, director general of Dubai Customs, with senior leaders from UAE logistics and maritime sectors.
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Al Zeyoudi reaffirmed UAE’s commitment to safeguarding trade flows and strengthening regional supply chain resilience through collaboration with partners and forward-looking solutions that address regional challenges.
He noted that the high-level coordination among key stakeholders reflects UAE’s approach to advancing partnerships and deepening regional and international cooperation, adding the effort aims at enhancing efficiency, agility, and responsiveness of regional supply chains to ensure uninterrupted movement of goods. Efforts are also on to strengthen alternative trade corridors and implement advanced customs and operational frameworks that reinforce the nation’s competitiveness and its standing as a trusted global trade and logistics hub.
UAE’s commitment is relevant for markets as Nigeria, where efficient trade flows is critical to economic stability. Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Jumoke Oduwole, said Nigeria recorded a trade surplus of N113 trillion in 2025.
As one of Africa’s largest economies and a key maritime hub in West Africa, Nigeria relies on resilient and well-coordinated global supply chains to support energy, manufacturing, agriculture, and others, underscoring importance of strengthened UAE–Africa logistics collaboration.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi added: “UAE will continue to play a pivotal role in supporting regional and international trade stability through targeted initiatives and adaptive policies that enhance supply chain performance and sustainability’’.
