Nigeria has signed a landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a deal expected to significantly deepen bilateral trade, expand market access for Nigerian products and attract increased foreign investment into key sectors of the economy.
The agreement, signed in Abu Dhabi, was negotiated by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment under the leadership of the Minister, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, MFR, who also served as Nigeria’s Chief Negotiator. The CEPA is aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s broader strategy for economic diversification and industrial growth.
Explaining the benefits of the agreement, Oduwole said the UAE will eliminate tariffs on more than 7,000 Nigerian products, granting immediate duty-free access for agricultural and industrial exports such as fish and seafood, oilseeds, cereals, cotton, pharmaceuticals and chemicals. She added that within three to five years, tariffs will also be removed on Nigerian machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, apparel and furniture, providing Nigerian manufacturers with enhanced access to one of the world’s most dynamic trading hubs.
Under the agreement, Nigerian businesses are permitted to establish operations in the UAE through new corporate entities, branches and subsidiaries. Nigerian business visitors will also be eligible to stay in the UAE for up to 90 days within a 12-month period, while managers, executives and specialists can relocate under intra-corporate transfer arrangements for renewable three-year terms.
Oduwole said the CEPA addresses longstanding barriers to foreign direct investment by providing clarity and certainty for UAE investors seeking opportunities in Nigeria’s productive sectors. According to her, the agreement is expected to support industrialisation, strengthen transport and logistics infrastructure and create quality jobs for Nigeria’s growing youth population.
On Nigeria’s commitments, the minister explained that the country will gradually eliminate tariffs on about 6,000 products, with roughly 60 per cent of the tariff lines liberalised immediately and the remainder phased out over five years. She noted that the affected imports are largely industrial inputs, capital goods and machinery required to boost domestic production, while Nigeria’s Import Prohibition List remains unchanged.
In services, Nigeria has made commitments covering 99 specific services across 10 sectors, including business, communications, transport, financial services, construction, distribution, health, environmental services, recreation and tourism.
Describing the CEPA as a strategic instrument for economic transformation, Oduwole said the agreement incentivises Nigerian manufacturers to scale up value-added and industrial production for export. She added that it positions Nigeria as a gateway for international investors seeking access to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market of over 1.4 billion people.
She disclosed that Nigeria has already witnessed increased participation by UAE institutional investors, including First Abu Dhabi Bank, particularly in infrastructure financing. This includes support for major projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road. She also acknowledged the role of Sky Capital in supporting the CEPA negotiations and promoting Nigeria’s investment readiness.
According to the minister, the agreement is fully consistent with Nigeria’s obligations under the World Trade Organisation, the AfCFTA and ECOWAS frameworks.
Oduwole said the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, in collaboration with agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, will ensure swift implementation of the agreement. She said these institutions will provide the necessary information, support and facilitation to enable Nigerian businesses and investors to fully benefit from the deal in line with the President’s “Nigeria First” directive.
She commended members of the Nigerian negotiating team, including officials of the Ministry of Justice and other ministries, departments and agencies, for their roles in concluding the agreement, and also expressed appreciation to the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, and his team for their cooperation.
Calling on the Nigerian private sector to take advantage of the new opportunities, Oduwole said the agreement was negotiated to support Nigerian businesses and urged exporters and investors to move confidently into the UAE market.
“Nigeria is open for business,” she said, “and Nigerian enterprises now have expanded access not only to the UAE, but to the wider Middle East and global markets.”
