UAE-Nigeria Trade Agreement Grants Duty-Free Access To Nigerian Exports — Oduwole

According to Ireporter Online, Nigeria’s recently signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to unlock significant benefits for the country’s businesses, workforce, and economic diversification efforts. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole described the pact, signed during the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, as a historic milestone in Nigeria-UAE trade relations.

Oduwole explained that the agreement, negotiated under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, prioritises expanded market access for Nigerian goods and services, attracts high-quality foreign investment, and strengthens the country’s global trade position. Under CEPA, the UAE will immediately eliminate tariffs on over 7,000 Nigerian products, including agricultural and industrial exports such as fish, seafood, oil seeds, cereals, cotton, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.

The minister added that tariffs on machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, apparel, and furniture will be gradually removed over the next three to five years, creating a competitive pathway for Nigerian manufacturers in a major international trading hub. Nigerian businesses will also be allowed to establish corporate entities, branches, and subsidiaries in the UAE, while business visitors may stay for up to 90 days annually to explore trade opportunities. Executives, managers, and specialists can relocate under renewable three-year intra-corporate transfer arrangements.

CEPA also addresses long-standing barriers to foreign direct investment by providing clarity and confidence for UAE investors in Nigeria’s productive sectors. The agreement supports Nigeria’s industrialisation, enhances transport and logistics connectivity, and creates quality employment for the nation’s youthful population. Nigeria has committed to removing tariffs on roughly 6,000 imports, with 60% eliminated immediately and the remainder phased out over five years, primarily covering industrial inputs and capital goods.

On services, Nigeria has opened up 99 specific sectors, including business, communications, transport, finance, construction, health, environment, tourism, and recreation. The pact positions Nigeria as a gateway for investors targeting the 1.4 billion-strong African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market. UAE institutional investors, including First Abu Dhabi Bank, have already shown interest in Nigerian infrastructure projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road.

Oduwole emphasised that CEPA aligns with Nigeria’s obligations under the World Trade Organisation, AfCFTA, and ECOWAS. She assured that the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, in partnership with agencies like the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Nigeria Customs Service, and Standards Organisation of Nigeria, would ensure the agreement is implemented efficiently. She urged Nigerian businesses to capitalise on the new opportunities and expand confidently into the UAE and beyond.