President Tinubu in Abu Dhabi for Landmark 2026 Sustainability Week Summit

By Emmanuel Kwada

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Abu Dhabi late Sunday night, January 11, 2026, to represent Nigeria at the prestigious Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026, a major global forum dedicated to accelerating climate action, energy transition, and sustainable development.

The presidential aircraft touched down at the Presidential Wing of Zayed International Airport precisely at 11:30 pm local time. President Tinubu was warmly received by Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi; Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; and senior members of the Nigerian diplomatic mission in the UAE.

Upon arrival at his hotel, the President was further welcomed by key members of his delegation, including Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Muhammed Muhammed.

The visit follows President Tinubu’s end-of-year break in Europe, during which he held productive engagements with Rwandan President Paul Kagame and French President Emmanuel Macron. These discussions focused on advancing African interests and addressing global challenges amid shifting international dynamics.

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026, running from January 11–15 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), convenes heads of state, policymakers, investors, innovators, and experts under the compelling theme **“The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go.”** The event emphasizes connecting ambition with concrete action across innovation, finance, people, and systems to drive inclusive economic growth, climate resilience, and sustainable progress.

Hosted by Masdar and championed by the UAE, ADSW has established itself as one of the world’s premier platforms for sustainability since 2008. This year’s edition features high-level summits, the World Future Energy Summit, the Green Hydrogen Summit, the Zayed Sustainability Prize ceremony, dialogues on water security through The Blue Forum, and dedicated programs empowering women and youth in sustainability efforts.

President Tinubu’s participation underscores Nigeria’s growing role in international climate and sustainability conversations while strengthening the deepening diplomatic, economic, and strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.

The Nigerian leader’s attendance is expected to highlight Africa’s perspectives on energy transition, climate finance, and inclusive development, positioning the continent as a vital contributor to global solutions.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed the details in an official State House press release issued on January 11, 2026.