President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria’s BUA Group and UAE-based AD Ports Group and MAIR Group in Abu Dhabi.
He described the MoU as a significant industrial and trade breakthrough arising from renewed Nigeria–UAE engagement under his administration.
The President said the agreement represents a tangible dividend of strengthened diplomatic ties and expanding economic cooperation following his recent state visits and high-level engagements with the leadership of the United Arab Emirates, which prioritised trade, investment, infrastructure, and food security.
The MoU explores collaboration in sugar refining, agro-industrial development, and integrated global logistics solutions, with sugar refining and advanced logistics infrastructure to be developed in the UAE. The initiative is expected to enhance value addition, strengthen supply chain resilience, and deepen structured trade flows between West Africa and the Gulf region.
President Tinubu noted that the partnership demonstrates growing international confidence in Nigeria’s reform agenda and reinforces the country’s commitment to export-led industrialisation.
He further stated that the agreement reflects the strength and maturity of Nigerian enterprises capable of competing globally and forming strategic alliances with leading international partners.
“Strategic diplomacy must translate into measurable economic gains,” President Tinubu said. “This partnership reflects the renewed momentum in Nigeria–UAE relations and our determination to position Nigeria as a competitive industrial and trading nation, while empowering Nigerian businesses to operate confidently on the global stage.”
The President also observed that BUA Group’s established industrial base in Nigeria, including its integrated food processing operations and substantial investments in port infrastructure upgrades, provides a strong foundation for expanded international trade integration.
“I must also commend the Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, who continues to believe and invest in various sectors of the Nigerian economy, and has shown the world that Nigerian companies are capable of playing on the global stage.”
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening bilateral economic partnerships that attract investment, expand exports, strengthen Nigerian enterprise, and deliver sustainable prosperity for the country.
However, BUA Group, AD Ports Group, and MAIR Group of Abu Dhabi yesterday signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration in sugar refining, agro-industrial development, and integrated global logistics solutions. The partnership aims to create a world-class platform that strengthens regional food security, supports industrial diversification, and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for trade and manufacturing.
The proposed collaboration will leverage BUA Group’s industrial and logistics expertise, Khalifa Port’s world-class infrastructure, and AD Ports Group’s operational experience. The initiative aligns with the objectives of the UAE Food Security Strategy 2051, which seeks to position the UAE as a global leader in sustainable food production and resilient supply chains. It also aligns with Nigeria’s food production- and export-oriented agricultural transformation agenda, focused on scaling domestic capacity, strengthening value addition, improving post-harvest logistics, and unlocking new markets for Nigerian produce across the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.
Through structured aggregation, processing, storage, and maritime export channels, the partnership is designed to reduce supply chain inefficiencies, enhance traceability and quality standards, and also create a predictable trade corridor between West Africa and the Gulf.
BUA Group, recognised as one of Africa’s largest and most diversified conglomerates, with major investments across sugar refining, food production, flour milling, cement manufacturing, and infrastructure- brings extensive industrial expertise and large-scale operational capability to the venture. MAIR Group will provide strategic support in developing integrated logistics and agro-industrial solutions, creating a seamless platform for production, storage, and distribution.
Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder and Chairman of BUA Group, said:
“This MoU marks an important milestone in BUA’s international expansion and reflects our long-term vision of building globally competitive industrial platforms. Together with AD Ports Group and MAIR Group, we aim to develop sustainable food production and logistics solutions that strengthen regional supply chains and support the UAE’s Food Security Strategy 2051.”
He further added that, “This partnership represents not just a commercial arrangement but a strategic food corridor anchored on shared economic ambition, resilient infrastructure, and disciplined execution, reinforcing long-term food security objectives for both nations.”
A representative of MAIR Group added:
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing strategic industries in Abu Dhabi and building integrated solutions that reinforce the UAE’s position as a global hub for trade, food security, and industrial excellence.”
A spokesperson from AD Ports Group commented:“Our partnership with BUA Group and MAIR Group highlights Khalifa Port’s role as a catalyst for high-impact industrial investments. This initiative will enhance regional food security, strengthen global trade connectivity, and support Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification goals.”
This MoU marks a historic collaboration that combines world-class infrastructure, industrial expertise, and strategic vision, setting the stage for a sustainable and resilient food and logistics ecosystem that will benefit the UAE, the region, and global markets alike.
BUA Group is one of Africa’s leading manufacturing, mining, foods, and infrastructure conglomerates with its headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria. Established in 1988 by industrialist Abdul Samad Rabiu, BUA has significant investments in mining and infrastructure, including Cement Manufacturing, Construction, Real Estate, Plaster Production, and Quarrying & Mining.
