By Abbas Nazil
BUA Group, AD Ports Group, and MAIR Group of Abu Dhabi have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration in sugar refining, agro-industrial development, and integrated global logistics solutions.
The agreement, announced on Monday, 16th February 2026, aims to create a world-class platform that strengthens regional food security, supports industrial diversification, and positions Abu Dhabi as a leading hub for trade and manufacturing.
The collaboration will leverage BUA Group’s industrial and logistics expertise, Khalifa Port’s advanced infrastructure, and AD Ports Group’s operational experience.
It aligns with the UAE Food Security Strategy 2051, which seeks to establish the UAE as a global leader in sustainable food production and resilient supply chains.
The initiative also complements Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda focused on boosting domestic production, enhancing value addition, improving post-harvest logistics, and opening new markets for Nigerian produce in the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.
Through structured aggregation, processing, storage, and maritime export channels, the partnership intends to reduce supply chain inefficiencies, enhance traceability, improve quality standards, and create a reliable trade corridor between West Africa and the Gulf region.
BUA Group, recognized as one of Africa’s largest and most diversified conglomerates, brings substantial industrial expertise and operational capacity, with major investments across sugar refining, food production, flour milling, cement manufacturing, and infrastructure.
MAIR Group will contribute strategic support in developing integrated logistics and agro-industrial solutions, ensuring a seamless platform for production, storage, and distribution.
Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder and Chairman of BUA Group, described the MoU as a milestone in the company’s international expansion and a reflection of its long-term vision of building globally competitive industrial platforms.
He emphasized that the partnership is not only commercial but also strategic, creating a food corridor anchored on shared economic ambition, resilient infrastructure, and disciplined execution, which will reinforce long-term food security objectives for both Nigeria and the UAE.
A MAIR Group representative highlighted that the collaboration demonstrates commitment to advancing strategic industries in Abu Dhabi while building integrated solutions to reinforce the UAE’s role as a global hub for trade, food security, and industrial excellence.
AD Ports Group also noted that the initiative showcases Khalifa Port’s function as a catalyst for high-impact industrial investments, enhancing regional food security, strengthening global trade connectivity, and supporting Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification goals.
The MoU establishes a historic partnership that combines industrial expertise, world-class infrastructure, and strategic vision, laying the foundation for a sustainable and resilient food and logistics ecosystem.
This initiative is expected to benefit the UAE, the wider region, and global markets, advancing both nations’ objectives in food security, industrial growth, and international trade connectivity.
BUA Group, headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, was founded in 1988 by Abdul Samad Rabiu and has significant investments in manufacturing, mining, food production, and infrastructure, including cement manufacturing, construction, real estate, plaster production, and quarrying.