President Bola 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 industrial and trade breakthrough.
The agreement was signed in Abu Dhabi and, according to the President, represents a tangible outcome of renewed Nigeria–UAE engagement under his administration. Tinubu said the deal reflects the growing strength of diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates, particularly in trade, investment, infrastructure, and food security.
Under the MoU, the parties will explore collaboration in sugar refining, agro-industrial development, and integrated global logistics solutions. The initiative includes plans to develop sugar refining capacity and advanced logistics infrastructure in the UAE, a move expected to enhance value addition, improve supply chain resilience, and deepen structured trade flows between West Africa and the Gulf region.
President Tinubu noted that the partnership signals increasing international confidence in Nigeria’s reform agenda and reinforces the country’s push for export-led industrialisation. He added that the deal highlights the growing capacity of Nigerian enterprises to compete globally and form strategic alliances with leading international partners.
“Strategic diplomacy must translate into measurable economic gains,” the President said, stressing that the agreement underscores renewed momentum in Nigeria–UAE relations and Nigeria’s ambition to emerge as a competitive industrial and trading nation.
He also commended the Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, for his continued investments across key sectors of the Nigerian economy, noting that BUA’s strong industrial base and investments in food processing and port infrastructure provide a solid platform for expanded international trade integration.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening bilateral economic partnerships that attract investment, boost exports, empower Nigerian businesses, and deliver sustainable prosperity.
The statement was issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.