NIGERIA UAE SIGN COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT TO BOOST TRADE AND INVESTMENT.

The Nigerian government has signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment.

According to a statement made available after the signing ceremony which took place during the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit, with President Bola Tinubu, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in attendance, Tinubu said under the CEPA, the UAE will eliminate tariffs on over 7,000 Nigerian products immediately, including agricultural and industrial goods such as fish, seafood, cereals, cotton, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.

Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole and AE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoud said over the next three to five years, tariffs on Nigerian machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, apparel, and furniture will also be removed.

This will provide Nigerian manufacturers and exporters with competitive access to one of the world’s most dynamic trading hubs. Additionally, the agreement creates new opportunities for Nigerian businesses and professionals, including the ability to establish subsidiaries, branches, and corporate entities in the UAE.

The agreement is also expected to support investment in Nigeria, with the UAE committing to remove long-standing impediments to foreign direct investment and providing clarity and confidence for investors. This is expected to drive industrialization, transport and logistics connectivity, and create quality jobs for Nigeria’s youthful population. “The CEPA is a practical instrument for economic transformation,

The Nigerian government has made significant commitments under the agreement, including eliminating tariffs on approximately 6,000 products and liberalizing imports in key sectors such as industrial inputs, capital goods, and machinery. The agreement also covers 99 services across 10 sectors, including business services, communication, transport, financial services, and tourism.

The implementation of the CEPA will be led by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, in collaboration with relevant government agencies, with a focus on swift and practical implementation. The agreement is expected to position Nigeria as a gateway to African markets, leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and attracting investment from UAE institutional investors.

The Nigerian government has hailed the CEPA as a major achievement, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s economic diversification objectives. The agreement is expected to have a significant impact on Nigeria’s economic growth and development, and the government is committed to ensuring its successful implementation.