Nigeria’s Tinubu arrives in Abu Dhabi for 2026 Sustainability Week

Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, 11 January 2026 to take part in the 2026 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW). According to a statement issued by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the presidential aircraft landed at the presidential wing of Zayed International Airport around 11:30 p.m. local time, where Tinubu was received by the UAE’s minister of state for foreign affairs, Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al‑Shamsi, and Nigeria’s foreign affairs minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.

The visit follows a stopover in Europe during which the Nigerian leader held consultations with Rwandan President Paul Kagame and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Arrival and welcome ceremony

The presidential flight touched down late Sunday night, and Tinubu was greeted not only by UAE officials but also by members of Nigeria’s diplomatic mission. In addition to Mr Tuggar, senior Nigerian figures on hand included the minister of budget and planning, Atiku Bagudu; the minister of industry, trade and investment, Jumoke Oduwole; and the director‑general of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.

The Nigerian delegation later converged at the president’s hotel, highlighting Abuja’s determination to seize opportunities at the high‑profile meeting.

The Cable, a Nigerian news outlet, first reported that Tinubu had arrived in Abu Dhabi and was set to join other heads of state at the sustainability summit. Subsequent official statements clarified the details of his arrival.

Purpose of the trip

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said in an earlier statement that Tinubu’s participation underscores Nigeria’s intent to “strengthen alliance between Nigeria and the UAE,” particularly in renewable energy and economic cooperation. The president is expected to position Nigeria as a partner for green investment and to seek foreign capital to support the country’s transition away from fossil fuels.

Premium Times noted that Tinubu wants Nigeria to be a leading player in sustainable development and that the visit is aimed at attracting foreign investment and fostering partnerships that align with Nigeria’s growth objectives.

About Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week is a major annual gathering hosted by Masdar under the patronage of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The 2026 edition, running from 11‑15 January, brings together world leaders, investors and innovators to accelerate practical solutions across energy, finance, food, water and nature. The event’s theme, “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,” invites participants to rethink how these interconnected systems can be scaled and integrated.

According to the Emirates News Agency, the week will feature high‑level dialogues, a Blue Forum on water and ocean investment, the World Future Energy Summit and several side events including the Youth 4 Sustainability Forum. ADSW 2026 aims to mobilise new technologies such as AI‑driven energy networks and climate‑finance innovations and to set a new benchmark for global collaboration.

Tinubu is attending at the invitation of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Nigeria has in recent years sought to deepen ties with the UAE, particularly after the two countries resolved a diplomatic row that led to the lifting of a visa ban on Nigerian travellers. The summit offers an opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its energy‑transition plans and to court investors for renewable power projects and infrastructure.

Outlook

Tinubu’s presence at ADSW 2026 signals a desire to project Nigeria as an active participant in global sustainability conversations. The sustainability week provides a platform for policy discussions and deal‑making that could attract investment into Nigeria’s renewable energy sector and help diversify its economy away from oil dependency. With global attention focused on the economic and climate crises, Abuja’s engagement in Abu Dhabi is seen as part of a broader strategy to secure financing and partnerships for green growth.

Verified facts

• The president’s plane landed at the presidential wing of Zayed International Airport at about 11:30 p.m. local time.

  
  

• Tinubu was welcomed by UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan and Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.

  
  

• Additional Nigerian officials, including ministers Atiku Bagudu and Jumoke Oduwole and NIA head Mohammed Mohammed, met the president at his hotel.

  
  

• Tinubu arrived from Europe after holding consultations with Paul Kagame and Emmanuel Macron.

  
  

• ADSW 2026 runs from 11‑15 January and is themed “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go”.

  
  

• The summit aims to unite world leaders and innovators to address sustainability challenges across interconnected systems

Source: The Cable, a Nigerian news