By 
By Oti Egwu
As Nigeria continues to expand its trade footprint, the need for more resilient and efficient global supply chains has become increasingly critical. Against this backdrop, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is intensifying efforts to strengthen trade corridors and enhance logistics coordination, a move that holds significant relevance for Nigeria and other key African markets reliant on seamless cargo flows and strategic trade partnerships.
This position was made known by His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, who chaired a high-level coordination meeting hosted by the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) at its headquarters in Dubai. The meeting brought together senior executives from global shipping lines and representatives of maritime associations as part of ongoing efforts to address current challenges impacting regional supply chains.
The meeting was attended by His Excellency Abdulla bin Damithan, Chairman of the PCFC, and His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Busenad, Director General of Dubai Customs, alongside senior leaders from the UAE logistics and maritime sectors.
During the meeting, His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi reaffirmed the UAE’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the continuity of trade flows and strengthening regional supply chain resilience through close collaboration with partners and forward-looking solutions that address the current regional challenges.
He noted that the ongoing high-level coordination among key stakeholders reflects the UAE’s steadfast approach to advancing partnerships and deepening regional and international cooperation, adding that the effort aims at enhancing the efficiency, agility, and responsiveness of regional supply chains to ensure the uninterrupted movement of goods, particularly essential and strategic commodities. Efforts are also underway to strengthen alternative trade corridors and implement advanced customs and operational frameworks that reinforce the nation’s competitiveness and its standing as a trusted global trade and logistics hub.
The UAE’s commitment is particularly relevant for markets such as Nigeria, where efficient trade flows remain critical to economic stability. According to the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria recorded an impressive trade surplus of N113trn in 2025. As one of Africa’s largest economies and a key maritime hub in West Africa, Nigeria continues to rely on resilient and well-coordinated global supply chains to support sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and agriculture, underscoring the importance of strengthened UAE–Africa logistics collaboration.
His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi added: “The UAE will continue to play a pivotal role in supporting regional and international trade stability through targeted initiatives and adaptive policies that enhance supply chain performance and sustainability. The UAE stands ready to deepen its engagement with regional and international partners to build a more connected, resilient, and future-ready trade ecosystem.”
For his part, His Excellency Bin Damithan, Chairman of the PCFC, highlighted the importance of sustained coordination and collaboration among all stakeholders, noting the progress made since the previous meeting in addressing regional challenges to ensure continued trade flows into the UAE.
He noted that the meeting serves as an important platform to review recently implemented initiatives and explore opportunities for further collaboration in the next phase, supporting the development of practical and sustainable solutions that enhance supply chain efficiency and continuity. He reiterated that ensuring the uninterrupted flow of essential goods remains a top priority, alongside reinforcing the UAE’s position as a reliable regional and global logistics hub.
Meanwhile, His Excellency Dr. Busenad, Director General of Dubai Customs, outlined key customs initiatives implemented to support trade flows and enhance operational efficiency, reaffirming Dubai Customs’ commitment to developing proactive and innovative solutions in collaboration with partners.
He stated: “Over the past period, we have successfully implemented several high-impact initiatives that facilitated cargo movement and enhanced supply chain efficiency. These include the issuance of Customs Notice No. (6), enabling transit cargo movement through the green corridor with the Sultanate of Oman, the acceptance of undertaking letters as valid guarantees, and the organization of workshops with traders to explain green corridor mechanisms and address their enquiries.”
He added: “We are currently rolling out several pilot projects, including the activation of the Advance Cargo Information (ACI) system through shipping companies for all green corridor cargo, as well as the launch of a new maritime feeder service linking the region with India, further strengthening trade connectivity.”
This momentum reflects the deepening trade and investment ties between the UAE and Nigeria, underpinned by growing cooperation across logistics, infrastructure, and non-oil sectors. As one of Nigeria’s key trading partners in the Middle East, the UAE continues to play an important role in supporting trade flows, investment, and connectivity. Strengthening supply chain resilience and expanding trade corridors will not only reinforce this bilateral relationship but also unlock new opportunities for economic growth, positioning both countries as strategic partners in shaping Africa’s evolving trade landscape.
