First Abu Dhabi Bank to Open Nigerian Office in Sub-Saharan Africa Push
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the United Arab Emirates’ largest lender by assets, has announced plans to open a representative office in Lagos, Nigeria, as part of its strategic expansion into sub-Saharan Africa.
The move marks a significant milestone in FAB’s growth strategy and underscores its intention to deepen financial and trade ties between the Middle East and Africa’s largest economy. Nigeria, with its large population, growing private sector, and position as a regional commercial hub, is seen as a key gateway for broader African expansion.
According to the bank, the Lagos office will focus on strengthening relationships with Nigerian corporates, financial institutions, and government entities, while supporting cross-border trade, investment flows, and advisory services. The representative office will not offer retail banking services but will serve as a platform for client engagement and market development.
FAB said the expansion aligns with rising trade and investment between the UAE and Africa, particularly in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and manufacturing. The bank already has a presence in several international financial centres across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Industry analysts view the move as a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s long-term economic prospects, despite short-term macroeconomic challenges. It also reflects a growing trend of Gulf financial institutions increasing their footprint across Africa to support trade corridors and capital flows.
The opening of the Lagos office is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to enhance FAB’s ability to serve clients looking to access opportunities across Nigeria and the wider sub-Saharan African region.
