In a landmark move set to redefine economic relations, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have officially signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The strategic pact was inked on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, in Abu Dhabi by Nigeria's Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and the UAE's Minister of Foreign Trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.
Unlocking Market Access and Investment Flows
Dr. Oduwole, in a detailed statement, outlined that the agreement is a cornerstone of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at diversifying the national economy. The CEPA is designed to prioritize market access for Nigerian exports and facilitate quality investment into the country.
A major win for Nigerian exporters is the immediate elimination of UAE tariffs on over 7,000 products. This includes key Nigerian agricultural and industrial goods such as fish, seafood, oil seeds, cereals, cotton, pharmaceuticals, and various chemicals. Furthermore, tariffs on Nigerian machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, apparel, and furniture will be phased out over the next three to five years.
"Nigerian industrial exports now have a clear and competitive pathway into one of the world's most dynamic trading hubs," Dr. Oduwole stated.
Benefits for Professionals and Investors
The agreement also simplifies movement for businesspeople and professionals. Nigerian business visitors can now enter the UAE for up to 90 days within a year to explore opportunities. Additionally, managers, executives, and specialists can be relocated by their companies for renewable three-year periods.
For investors, the CEPA provides much-needed clarity. "UAE investors now have clarity and confidence to invest in Nigeria's productive sectors," the Minister said. She emphasized that this will support industrialization, improve transport and logistics links, and create quality jobs for Nigeria's youth.
In return, Nigeria will eliminate tariffs on approximately 6,000 imports, with about 60% of these cuts happening immediately and the rest over five years. These imports are largely industrial inputs, capital goods, and machinery intended to bolster Nigeria's productive capacity. Nigeria's Import Prohibition List, however, remains fully in effect.
A Strategic Gateway to Africa
On services, Nigeria has made commitments across 99 specific areas in 10 sectors, including business services, communications, transport, finance, and tourism.
Dr. Oduwole described the CEPA as a "strategic instrument for economic transformation" that incentivizes Nigerian manufacturers to scale up for export. Crucially, she highlighted that the deal positions Nigeria as the preferred gateway for international investors seeking access to the vast African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market of 1.4 billion people.
The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has pledged swift implementation. It will work with agencies like the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), and the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) to ensure businesses and investors can fully capitalize on the agreement, in line with the President's "Nigeria First" directive.
