In a major move to diversify its economy and strengthen international ties, the Federal Government of Nigeria signed a landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) early 2026.
The agreement, signed in Abu Dhabi, is designed to eliminate trade barriers and unlock new billions in investment, marking a strategic shift in Nigeria’s trade architecture under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” Agenda.
Major Breakthrough for Non-Oil Exports
The CEPA provides a massive boost for Nigerian manufacturers and farmers, securing duty-free access for 7,315 products exported to the UAE.
Immediate Gains: Tariffs have been removed immediately on 2,805 products, including fish, seafood, cereals, cotton, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.
Phased Access: Duties on more complex exports—such as machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, and furniture—will be phased out over a three-to-five-year period.
On the reciprocal side, Nigeria will eliminate tariffs on 6,243 products imported from the UAE. To protect local industries, 60% of these eliminations focus on industrial inputs and capital goods, while 123 sensitive products (including certain meats, dairy, and vegetable oils) remain excluded from the deal.
New Frontiers for Professionals and Services
Beyond physical goods, the CEPA creates a “services corridor” between West Africa and the Middle East.
Market Access: The UAE has opened 108 service sub-sectors to Nigerian professionals, including legal consultancy, accounting, engineering, and digital media.
Ease of Movement: Nigerian business visitors can now enter the UAE for up to 90 days within a 12-month period. Additionally, managers and specialists can relocate to the UAE under renewable three-year visas to manage corporate branches or subsidiaries.
A Gateway for Investment
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, who led the negotiations, described the pact as a “pragmatic enabler” for Nigeria’s economic diversification.
”This CEPA is an incentive for accelerating non-oil exports. It addresses longstanding impediments to foreign direct investment and signals the acceleration of deals in agriculture, infrastructure financing, and digital banking.”
The agreement also positions Nigeria as the primary gateway for UAE investors looking to access the wider African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), leveraging Nigeria’s strategic position within the ECOWAS sub-region.
Key Trade Statistics at a Glance
Implementation and Next Steps
The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, alongside the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), will now begin a coordinated implementation phase.