Tinubu departs Abu Dhabi for Nigeria after Sustainability Week Participation

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

 President Bola Tinubu has concluded his high-profile engagement at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) and departed the United Arab Emirates on Saturday, heading home to Nigeria after a week of impactful diplomacy focused on climate action, energy transition, and global partnerships.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President was captured leaving his hotel in Abu Dhabi for the homeward journey.

The brief video clip showed Tinubu exiting the premises, marking the end of his participation in the prestigious annual summit held from January 11–15, 2026, under the theme “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go.”

The event, hosted in the UAE capital, convened world leaders, policymakers, investors, innovators, and civil society representatives to advance sustainable development, renewable energy, climate resilience, and inclusive economic growth.

President Tinubu attended at the formal invitation of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, underscoring the strengthening bilateral ties between Nigeria and the UAE in areas like green energy and economic cooperation.

During the summit, President Tinubu delivered a national statement emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to aligning climate action with energy access, job creation, and social inclusion.

He highlighted key domestic reforms, including the Electricity Act of 2023, which enables decentralized and inclusive energy delivery to rural communities, off-grid facilities, schools, markets, and underserved populations.

The President also stressed the role of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, in optimizing grid efficiency and accelerating sustainable energy deployment.

A significant diplomatic achievement came on January 13, when Nigeria and the UAE signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) at the sidelines of the summit, witnessed by Tinubu and UAE leadership. This pact is expected to boost trade, investment, and collaboration in sustainable sectors.

Nigeria’s active presence, bolstered by a dedicated pavilion showcasing local startups and innovations in renewables, drew praise from attendees, including industry figures like Oando PLC CEO Wale Tinubu.

Officials noted the event as a strategic platform for attracting global financiers, technology providers, and partners focused on renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, water security, and green infrastructure.

President Tinubu’s trip followed his end-of-year break in Europe, where he held discussions with leaders including Rwandan President Paul Kagame and French President Emmanuel Macron.

He arrived in Abu Dhabi on January 11, greeted by UAE Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan and Nigerian delegation members, including ministers Atiku Bagudu, Jumoke Oduwole, and Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.