Storytimes Newspapers

  At least one Nigerian national has been identified among more than 120 people injured in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following recent waves of ballistic missile and drone attacks launched by Iran, according to UAE authorities and reports from Nigerian media. The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted the majority of incoming Iranian projectiles in ongoing retaliatory strikes that began on February 28, 2026. These attacks followed joint U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran. Despite high interception rates, debris from destroyed missiles and drones, along with a limited number of impacts, caused civilian casualties and damage in areas including Abu Dhabi and Dubai. In its latest update, the ministry reported that the cumulative attacks resulted in six deaths—among Emirati, Pakistani, Nepalese, and Bangladeshi nationals—and 122 cases of minor to moderate injuries. The injured include expatriates from a wide range of countries, such as ...

  This follows ongoing economic diplomacy under President Tinubu, including Nigeria's push for green finance (seeking up to $30 billion from UAE sources) and related deals like a separate MoU on port development, maritime logistics, and digital solutions with Abu Dhabi Ports Group. The agreement is seen as opening doors for Nigerian businesses to operate in the UAE and vice versa, amid global sustainability and trade shifts. The CEPA was signed by Nigeria's Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and UAE's Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi. It was witnessed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Core Objectives and Benefits: Eliminates or significantly reduces tariffs on thousands of products (over 7,000 Nigerian exports gain duty-free or preferential access to the UAE market, while Nigeria removes tariffs on around 6,000 UAE products). Boosts market access for Nigerian ...