From Left -Right: Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President United Arab Emirate Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and United Arab Emirates’ Minister of Foreign Trade and Minister in charge of Talent Attraction and Retention, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi during the signing of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Nigeria and United Arab Emirate at the sidelines of 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit. Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Nigeria has marked a historic milestone in its international trade relations with the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The agreement, signed under the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), is set to transform economic ties between the two nations and unlock new opportunities for Nigerian businesses, professionals, and workers.
The CEPA is the result of focused negotiations led by Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, MFR, Honourable Minister and Chief Negotiator for Nigeria. It prioritizes market access for Nigerian goods and services, attracts quality investment inflows, and advances the country’s economic diversification agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Opening Doors for Nigerian Exporters
Under the agreement, the UAE will immediately eliminate tariffs on over 7,000 Nigerian products, including key agricultural and industrial commodities such as fish, seafood, oil seeds, cereals, cotton, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. Over the next three to five years, tariffs on machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, apparel, and furniture will also be phased out.
This provides Nigerian industrial exports with a competitive pathway into one of the world’s most dynamic trading hubs. Additionally, Nigerian businesses will be able to establish operations in the UAE through corporate entities, branches, and subsidiaries, while business visitors can stay up to 90 days within a 12-month period to explore trade and investment opportunities. Intra-corporate transferees, including managers, executives, and specialists, will be eligible to relocate for renewable three-year periods.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Investment Climate
The CEPA also addresses long-standing impediments to foreign direct investment in Nigeria. UAE investors now have a clearer, more predictable framework for investing in productive sectors, supporting Nigeria’s industrialization agenda, enhancing transport and logistics connectivity, and creating quality jobs for the country’s youthful population.
The agreement signals increased confidence from UAE institutional investors, including First Abu Dhabi Bank, particularly in infrastructure projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road. Firms like Sky Capital have also supported CEPA implementation and highlighted Nigeria’s readiness for global investment. Early deals are already advancing in agriculture, real estate, digital banking, retail, and infrastructure financing.
Nigeria’s Commitments Under the CEPA
Nigeria, in turn, will eliminate tariffs on approximately 6,000 products, with 60% phased in immediately and the remainder over five years. These imports largely include industrial inputs, capital goods, and machinery, strengthening domestic production capacity.
On trade in services, Nigeria’s commitments cover 99 service areas across 10 sectors, including business services, communication, transport, financial services, construction, distribution, health, environment, recreation/sports, and tourism. Importantly, Nigeria’s Import Prohibition List remains in effect.
A Strategic Agreement for Economic Diversification
The CEPA is a strategic instrument for Nigeria’s economic transformation, incentivizing manufacturers to scale production for export. Beyond bilateral trade, the agreement positions Nigeria as a gateway for international investors seeking access to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market of 1.4 billion people.
The deal is fully aligned with Nigeria’s obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO), AfCFTA, and ECOWAS, ensuring compliance with global trade standards while promoting national industrial growth.
Implementation and Support Mechanisms
The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, in collaboration with agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), and the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), will ensure Nigerian businesses can swiftly leverage the CEPA.
This coordinated effort will provide guidance, facilitation, and support mechanisms, in line with the President’s “Nigeria First” directive.
Acknowledgments and Partnerships
The milestone was achieved through the collective efforts of the Nigerian negotiation team, including lead technical advisers, FMITI officials, the Nigerian Customs Service, the Ministry of Justice, and several other ministries, departments, and agencies.
On the UAE side, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, led the negotiations, underscoring the strong collaborative partnership between the two nations.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Nigerian Businesses
The Federal Government emphasized that the CEPA was negotiated for Nigerian businesses, urging exporters, service providers, and investors to seize the opportunities presented. With enhanced market access, tariff protections, and operational flexibility in the UAE, Nigerian enterprises now have a springboard into the Middle East and global markets.
As this landmark agreement takes effect, it signals a new era of trade, investment, and economic diversification for Nigeria, reinforcing the nation’s vision of being open for business and competitive on the world stage.
