BY BONNY AMADI
Nigeria and the United Arab Emirate (UAE) on Tuesday signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) which its implementation will further boost Nigerian economy and eliminate tariffs on over 7,000 products.
Tuesday January 13, 2026 marked a historic milestone in Nigeria’s trade relations. The Federal Re public of Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement CEPA that is expected to transform economic ties between the two nations and deliver tangible benefits for Nigerian businesses, professionals, and workers.
A statement signed by the Jumoke Oduwole, Honourable Minister of Indus- try, Trade and Investment, dated 13 January 2026 and datelined, Abu Dhabi, UAE, obtained by our correspondent said that the trade deal with UAE, is the product of focused and determined negotiations led by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment under the direction of the Honourable Minister and Chief Negotiator for Nigeria, Jumoke Oduwole.
According to the report, the 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 Tinubu. 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.
In addition, Nigerian businesses can establish operations in the UAE through new corporate entities, branches, and subsidiaries.
Nigerian business visitors can enter the UAE for up to 90 days in 12 months to explore trade and investment opportunities while intra-corporate transferees, our managers, executives, and specialists can relocate with their corporate entities for renewable three-year periods.
For Nigeria’s investment climate, this Agreement addresses longstanding impediments to foreign direct investment. UAE investors now have clarity and confidence to invest in Nigeria’s productive sectors.
This will support Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda, enhance transport and logistics connectivity, and contribute to the creation of quality jobs for our youthful population.
Nigeria’s Commitments Under the Agreement
For trade in goods, Nigeria will eliminate tariffs on around 6,000 products. Tariffs on around 60 per cent 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.
On trade in services, Nigeria’s commitments cover 99 specific services across 10 sectors, including business services, communication, transport, financial services, construction, distribution, health, environment, recreational/sporting, and tourism
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