The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has formally endorsed the signing of the Nigeria–United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), describing it as a “decisive policy intervention” designed to bolster Nigeria’s non-oil sector.
In a statement released by Chairman Ahmad Sajoh and Secretary Danjuma Sada, the group emphasized that the agreement aligns with the federal government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” by prioritizing private-sector expansion and sustainable job creation.
Massive Market Access for Nigerian Goods
A central feature of the CEPA is the significant reduction of trade barriers. According to the TSF, a total of 7,315 Nigerian products will eventually enjoy duty-free access to the UAE market.
The tariff elimination will occur in three phases:
- Immediate: 2,805 products (38.3%) will see immediate tariff removal.
- 3 Years: Tariffs on 1,468 products will be phased out.
- 5 Years: The remaining 3,042 products will achieve duty-free status.
”For us, this scale of market access represents one of the most expansive trade openings secured by Nigeria in recent years and provides a concrete pathway for accelerating non-oil exports,” the statement read.
Strategic Shift to the Non-Oil Economy
The TSF noted that the agreement comes at a time when Nigeria’s non-oil sector accounts for approximately 96% of the national GDP. Recent data shows the sector maintaining a steady growth rate of roughly 3.9%, with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) leading at nearly 6%.
The group highlighted specific industries poised for growth:
- Agriculture: Fish, cocoa, grains, spices, and nuts.
- Manufacturing: Pharmaceuticals, chemicals, footwear, and furniture.
- Textiles: Garments and fabrics are expected to scale as tariffs drop.
Beyond physical goods, the CEPA provides a framework for Nigerian professionals in creative industries, finance, engineering, and healthcare to establish a commercial presence in the UAE.
Economic Momentum and Regional Leadership
The agreement seeks to build on the upward trend of Nigeria’s non-oil export earnings, which reached $5.46 billion in 2024 and continued to climb in 2025.
”The CEPA signals a renewed phase of engagement between Nigeria and the UAE, anchored in mutual economic interest,” the TSF added. “It reinforces Nigeria’s standing as a credible investment destination and a gateway to the ECOWAS region and the African Continental Free Trade Area.”
The Forum concluded by urging Nigerian entrepreneurs and exporters to proactively position themselves to utilize these new trade windows to drive “inclusive economic transformation.”
