On Tuesday, Nigeria hit a “historic milestone” in its trade relations as the West African country signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement CEPA with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
CEPA “will transform economic ties between our two nations”, as well as, “deliver tangible benefits for Nigerian businesses, professionals, and workers”, as revealed in a Press Release signed by Dr. Jumoke Oduwole MFR, Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Abu Dhabi, UAE, on Tuesday 13 January, 2026.
The agreement will deliver the “elimination” of tariffs on over “7,000” products by the UAE for Nigerian exporters. The products include; “fish and seafood, cotton, pharmaceuticals” among others.
CEPA also places Nigeria as the “gateway for interntional investors”, who are looking for access to the African Continental Free Trade Area and its 1.4 billion people.
The Press Release titled ‘Nigeria’s trade deal with the UAE: Minister Jumoke Oduwole Explains what Nigeria stands to gain from CEPA’ reads: “Today marks a historic milestone in Nigeria’s trade relations. The Federal Republic of Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement CEPA that will transform economic ties between our two nations and deliver tangible benefits for Nigerian businesses, professionals, and workers.
“This agreement prioritises market access for Nigerian goods and services, facilitates quality investment inflows, and advances our national economic diversification under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
“What This Agreement Delivers for Nigeria
“For Nigerian exporters, the UAE will eliminate tariffs on over 7,000 products. Immediately, our agricultural and industrial products – fish and seafood, oil seeds, cereals, cotton, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and more, will enter the UAE market duty-free.
“Over the next three to five years, the UAE will eliminate tariffs on Nigerian machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, apparel, and furniture. Nigerian industrial exports now have a clear and competitive pathway into one of the world’s most dynamic trading hubs.
“Nigerian business visitors can enter the UAE for up to 90 days in 12 months to explore trade and investment opportunities.”
“Nigeria’s Commitments Under the Agreement
“For trade in goods, Nigeria will eliminate tariffs on around 6,000 products. Tariffs on around 60% of these products will be eliminated immediately, with the remainder phased over five years.
“These imports are concentrated in industrial inputs, capital goods, and machinery that will strengthen Nigeria’s productive capacity. Nigeria’s Import Prohibition List remains in effect.
“A Strategic Agreement for a Diversified Economy
“This CEPA is a strategic instrument for economic transformation. With significant market access secured for value-added and industrial goods, this Agreement incentivises Nigerian manufacturers to scale production for export.
“The CEPA also positions Nigeria as the gateway for international investors seeking access to the African Continental Free Trade Area and its 1.4 billion people.
“The Agreement is fully consistent with our obligations under the World Trade Organisation, the African Continental Free Trade Area, and ECOWAS.”
The Minister said, “Nigeria is open for business and Nigerian businesses now have open access to the UAE, the Middle East and the rest of the world.”
