By Joke Kujenya
NIGERIA WELCOMED back President Bola Tinubu on Saturday evening following his participation in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, attended alongside members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
His visit featured the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the margins of the summit.
The agreement seeks to deepen economic cooperation, boost bilateral trade and investment, enhance technology transfer, and expand collaboration across energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining and renewable energy.
Addressing participants at the summit, President Tinubu announced plans for a joint Nigeria-UAE INVESTOPIA scheduled to hold in Lagos in February, with the initiative aimed at attracting global investors.
He also stated that Nigeria plans to mobilise up to $30 billion annually in climate and green industrial finance while accelerating energy transition reforms and expanding nationwide electricity access.
Separately, a presidency release signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and dated January 17, 2026, stated that the President congratulated the Super Eagles following their bronze medal victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The President commended the national team for overcoming the disappointment of their semi-final loss to host nation Morocco the previous Wednesday.
He also noted that the Super Eagles defeated Egypt, a seven-time AFCON winner, in a penalty shootout after regular time in the bronze medal match.
President Tinubu stated that the players demonstrated determination, persistence and the can-do spirit associated with Nigeria.
He noted that although the team lost the semifinal on penalties, the players remained undaunted and showed resilience before securing the bronze medal.
He assured them that Nigerians would take pride in the team as they received the bronze medal on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco, and expressed appreciation to the players for their performance at the tournament.
