Abu dhabi: AD Ports Group Managing Director and Group CEO, Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, met with Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to discuss future cooperation and advance strategic collaboration in trade, maritime, shipping, and logistics. Building on this high-level engagement, AD Ports Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy of Nigeria to explore collaboration opportunities across ports, logistics, maritime services, and digital trade infrastructure.
According to Emirates News Agency, the MoU was signed by Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy of Nigeria, and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation to explore investment and development opportunities across Nigeria's ports and maritime ecosystem, including logistics services, economic and free zones, as well as digital trade platforms.
The MoU underscores Nigeria's strategic importance as Africa's largest economy and one of the continent's leading maritime and trade hubs. The country is supported by an extensive coastline, major port assets, and expanding regional and international trade flows. Adegboyega Oyetola remarked that the partnership with AD Ports Group aims to strengthen port efficiency, logistics connectivity, maritime services, and digital trade infrastructure, supporting sustainable economic growth and positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in Africa.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi highlighted Nigeria's potential across the ports and logistics sectors, noting that the MoU reflects a shared ambition for sustainable development opportunities that support Nigeria's economic growth, trade competitiveness, and job creation. AD Ports Group brings international expertise in integrated ports, logistics, maritime services, and digital trade solutions, and is keen on working closely with Nigerian partners.
AD Ports Group continues to expand its presence across Africa, with existing investments in countries such as Egypt, Tanzania, Angola, and the Republic of the Congo. The MoU aligns with the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) recently signed between the UAE and Nigeria, which aims to boost trade and investment by reducing tariffs and removing trade barriers. The agreement will enhance cooperation, strengthen supply chains, and empower SMEs to expand globally.
Bilateral non-oil trade between the UAE and Nigeria reached US$4.3 billion in 2024, marking a 55.3 percent year-on-year increase compared to 2023. This growing trade relationship reflects a strong commitment to mutual economic success. Furthermore, Nigeria's real GDP growth is projected by BMI, a Fitch Solutions company, to accelerate from 4.1% in 2025 to 4.3% in 2026, positioning Nigeria as one of the fastest-growing economies in Sub-Saharan Africa.