President Bola Tinubu has concluded his high-level participation at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) and departed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday, returning to Nigeria after a week of intensive diplomatic engagements centered on climate action, energy transition, and global partnerships.
The President’s departure was confirmed in a post on X by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who shared a brief video showing President Tinubu leaving his hotel in Abu Dhabi for the journey home.
President Tinubu’s exit marked the end of his involvement in the prestigious annual summit, which held from 11 to 15 January 2026, under the theme ‘The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go’.
The event brought together global leaders, policymakers, investors, innovators, and civil society actors to promote sustainable development, renewable energy solutions, climate resilience, and inclusive economic growth.
The Nigerian president attended the summit on the formal invitation of the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, highlighting the deepening bilateral relationship between Nigeria and the UAE, particularly in green energy and economic cooperation.
During the summit, President Tinubu delivered Nigeria’s national statement, reaffirming the country’s commitment to pursuing climate action alongside expanded energy access, job creation, and social inclusion.
He outlined key domestic reforms, notably the Electricity Act of 2023, which supports decentralized energy solutions for rural communities, off-grid facilities, schools, markets, and other underserved areas.
The President also emphasised the importance of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, in improving power grid efficiency and accelerating the deployment of sustainable energy systems.
A major diplomatic milestone of the visit occurred on 13 January, when Nigeria and the UAE signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on the sidelines of the summit.
The agreement, witnessed by President Tinubu and UAE leaders, is expected to strengthen trade ties, attract investment, and enhance collaboration in sustainable sectors.
President Tinubu’s Abu Dhabi trip followed his end-of-year visit to Europe, where he held talks with several world leaders, including Rwandan President Paul Kagame and French President Emmanuel Macron.
He arrived in the UAE on 11 January and was received by the UAE Minister of State, Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, alongside members of the Nigerian delegation, including Ministers Atiku Bagudu and Jumoke Oduwole, as well as Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.
