RismadarVoice Reporters
January 14, 2026
Nigeria’s newly signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates is set to significantly expand market access for Nigerian goods and services, attract quality investments, and accelerate industrialization, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, has said.
Speaking in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, Dr. Oduwole explained that the agreement marks a historic turning point in Nigeria’s trade relations with the UAE and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for economic diversification and inclusive growth.
She said the deal, concluded after focused negotiations led by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, prioritises Nigerian exporters, professionals and investors, while removing long-standing barriers to trade and investment.
Under the agreement, the UAE will eliminate tariffs on over 7,000 Nigerian products, allowing key agricultural and industrial exports, including fish and seafood, oil seeds, cereals, cotton, pharmaceuticals and chemicals – to enter the UAE market duty-free immediately. Over the next three to five years, tariffs on Nigerian machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, apparel and furniture will also be phased out.
According to the Minister, Nigerian manufacturers now have a competitive pathway into one of the world’s most dynamic trading hubs, while Nigerian businesses will be able to establish operations in the UAE through new corporate entities, branches and subsidiaries.
The agreement also enhances mobility for Nigerian professionals. Business visitors can enter the UAE for up to 90 days within a year to explore trade and investment opportunities, while managers, executives and specialists can relocate as intra-corporate transferees for renewable three-year periods.
Dr. Oduwole noted that CEPA addresses longstanding challenges in Nigeria’s investment climate by providing clarity and confidence for UAE investors. She said this is expected to boost investment in Nigeria’s productive sectors, improve transport and logistics connectivity, and create quality jobs for the country’s youthful population.
On Nigeria’s commitments, the Minister explained that Nigeria will eliminate tariffs on around 6,000 products, with about 60 per cent removed immediately, the rest phased out over five years. These imports, she said, are largely industrial inputs, capital goods and machinery needed to strengthen domestic productive capacity. Nigeria’s Import Prohibition List, however, remains intact.
In services trade, Nigeria’s commitments cover 99 specific services across 10 sectors, including business, communications, transport, financial services, construction, health, environment, tourism and recreation.
Describing the CEPA as a strategic instrument for economic transformation, Dr. Oduwole said it incentivises Nigerian manufacturers to scale up value-added and industrial production for export, while positioning Nigeria as a gateway for investors seeking access to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and its 1.4 billion-person market.
She revealed that Nigeria has already recorded unprecedented participation from UAE institutional investors, including First Abu Dhabi Bank, particularly in infrastructure financing. This includes support for the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road, which she described as a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s reform agenda. She added that Sky Capital played a key role in supporting the CEPA process and showcasing Nigeria’s investor readiness.
The Minister said the signing of the agreement is expected to accelerate deals in agriculture, real estate, digital banking, retail and infrastructure financing, while remaining fully consistent with Nigeria’s obligations under the World Trade Organization, AfCFTA and ECOWAS.
On implementation, Dr. Oduwole assured that the Ministry, working with agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, will ensure businesses and investors can fully leverage the agreement in line with President Tinubu’s “Nigeria First” directive.
She commended members of the Nigerian negotiation team across ministries, departments and agencies, as well as the UAE negotiation team led by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, for their collaborative efforts.
Addressing the private sector, the Minister said: “This Agreement was negotiated for you. Nigerian businesses now have open access to the UAE, the Middle East and the rest of the world. Nigeria is open for business.”
