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