President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Lagos for Europe ahead of his official visit to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he is expected to take part in a major global meeting on sustainable development.
The President left Nigeria on Sunday, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga. The statement said President Tinubu would attend the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2026) Summit at the invitation of the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week is a global event that brings together leaders from different parts of the world. It includes government officials, business leaders, investors, experts, and members of civil society. The aim is to discuss practical ways to promote sustainable development and tackle challenges such as climate change, energy transition, food security, and economic growth.
The 2026 summit is scheduled to hold in early January and will last for one week. It is expected to attract participants from many countries, including developing and developed nations. Discussions at the event usually focus on how countries can grow their economies while protecting the environment and improving the lives of their people.
This year’s theme, “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,” focuses on turning ideas into real action. According to the organisers, the theme highlights the need to connect innovation, finance, and human capital to achieve global progress. This means finding new ideas, providing funding, and developing people’s skills to solve today’s global problems.
President Tinubu’s participation in the summit comes at a time when Nigeria is facing several economic and environmental challenges. These include rising energy needs, climate-related issues such as flooding and desertification, and the push to diversify the economy away from oil. Nigeria is also seeking more foreign investment and stronger international partnerships to support its development goals.
Nigeria has been working to improve its renewable energy sector, especially in solar power and clean cooking solutions. The country has also made commitments under global climate agreements to reduce carbon emissions. Events like the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week provide a platform for Nigeria to share its plans, learn from other countries, and attract investors.
The UAE, which hosts the summit, is known for its growing role in global climate and energy discussions. Although the country is a major oil producer, it has invested heavily in renewable energy and clean technology. Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week has, over the years, become one of the most important international gatherings focused on sustainability and future energy.
Nigeria and the UAE have enjoyed strong diplomatic and economic relations over the years. Many Nigerians live and work in the UAE, while trade and investment ties between both countries continue to grow. Nigerian leaders have often used visits to the UAE to seek investment in areas such as infrastructure, energy, aviation, and agriculture.
President Tinubu’s trip is also part of his broader effort to engage with international partners since assuming office. Since becoming President in May 2023, he has attended several global meetings to present Nigeria’s economic reforms and attract foreign support. His administration has introduced policies aimed at stabilising the economy, improving revenue, and encouraging private sector growth.
Before heading to Abu Dhabi, President Tinubu will spend some time in Europe. Although details of his engagements in Europe were not provided in the statement, such stopovers are often used for meetings with foreign leaders, investors, or international organisations. These meetings usually focus on economic cooperation and Nigeria’s reform agenda.
The Presidency has said that President Tinubu will return to Nigeria after the conclusion of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week summit. While in Abu Dhabi, he is expected to participate in high-level discussions and possibly hold bilateral meetings with other leaders and investors on the sidelines of the event.
As the world continues to face climate change and economic uncertainty, meetings like the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week are seen as important platforms for dialogue and cooperation. For Nigeria, participation offers an opportunity to position itself as a key player in Africa’s sustainable development journey and to seek solutions that can support long-term growth and stability.
