Abuja/Abu Dhabi, January 12, 2026, President Bola Tinubu has jetted into Abu Dhabi, the gleaming capital of the United Arab Emirates, for the kick-off of the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week – a star-studded global summit on green energy and climate action. The 73-year-old leader arrived late Sunday evening local time, greeted with open arms by UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, in what aides call a “strategic push” to snag vital investments for Nigeria’s shift from oil dependency.
Tinubu’s private jet landed around 11:30pm, with the president looking sharp in a crisp suit as he exchanged handshakes and smiles with UAE officials. Photos quickly circulated on social media, showing the warm welcome amid the city’s twinkling skyline. “This is about partnerships that align with our Renewed Hope vision,” a State House spokesman said, hinting at talks on solar projects, tech transfers, and funding to tackle Nigeria’s chronic power shortages.
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The summit, running from January 12-16, draws world leaders, CEOs, and innovators to discuss sustainable futures. For Tinubu, it’s prime time to pitch Nigeria – Africa’s biggest oil producer – as a green contender, despite global criticism over gas flaring in the Niger Delta. With Brent crude dipping to $78 a barrel, Nigeria’s economy leans heavily on petroleum, but reforms aim to diversify. Tinubu is expected to keynote on Africa’s climate role, network with UAE royals, and ink deals for renewables – perhaps solar farms in the north or wind in the south.
Back home, the timing raises eyebrows. Tinubu left amid simmering crises: the Rivers impeachment row, where he’s mediating between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and economic gripes with inflation at 34 per cent. Critics on X (formerly Twitter) quipped, “He’s chasing green dreams while Nigerians chase fuel queues.” Yet supporters see it as savvy – UAE is a top remittance source for Nigeria’s diaspora in the UK and beyond, and ties could ease naira woes.
The president’s agenda includes bilateral chats on investment, security, and trade. Nigeria exported $1.2 billion in crude to UAE last year; now, Tinubu eyes non-oil perks like tech hubs. “He’s putting Nigeria on the map,” tweeted a Lagos fan, sharing arrival clips. Opposition voices, like PDP figures, accuse him of globe-trotting while home burns – from northern banditry (recent US strikes on IS militants) to south-east calls for restructuring.
Tinubu’s team insists the trip yields results. Past UAE visits netted pledges; this could fund Dangote Refinery tweaks, aiming to stabilise petrol at ₦950/litre. For the Nigerian-UK community, it’s hopeful – stronger Gulf links mean better jobs and remittances.
As Tinubu dives into sessions, eyes watch for breakthroughs. Will Abu Dhabi deliver eco-wins for Nigeria, or just photo-ops? He returns mid-week, but success could quiet critics and boost his 2027 re-election buzz, with APC endorsements rolling in from south-east and Plateau.
Nigerians hold breath – in a nation craving change, green diplomacy might just spark it.
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