…deal unlocks tariff-free access for over 7,000 Nigerian products
…expands investor protections, opens pathway into wider Middle East markets
A major shift in Nigeria’s trade relations unfolded yesterday as the Federal Government signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates, establishing far-reaching commercial arrangements expected to generate concrete advantages for Nigerian companies, professionals and workers.
The Agreement follows focused negotiations overseen by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment under the direction of the Honourable Minister and Nigeria’s Chief Negotiator, Dr Jumoke Oduwole MFR. Officials say the terms prioritise expanded market access for Nigerian goods and services, enable higher-quality investment flows and reinforce national economic diversification under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
For exporters, the deal is especially substantive. The UAE has committed to eliminating tariffs on more than 7,000 products, with immediate duty-free entry for Nigerian agricultural and industrial goods such as fish, seafood, oil seeds, cereals, cotton, pharmaceuticals and chemicals.
Over a three- to five-year period, tariffs will also disappear on Nigerian machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, apparel and furniture. Nigeria now has a transparent and competitive route into one of the world’s most active trade hubs.
The Agreement also creates operational flexibility for Nigerian businesses. Companies can set up new corporate entities, branches and subsidiaries in the UAE, while business visitors from Nigeria will be permitted stays of up to 90 days within a 12-month period to explore commercial and investment opportunities. Managers, executives and specialists may relocate as intra-corporate transferees for renewable three-year periods.
Officials believe the investment chapter will address persistent obstacles to foreign direct investment by offering clarity and confidence to UAE investors. The expectation within government is that this will support industrialisation objectives, improve transport and logistics systems and contribute to skilled job creation for Nigeria’s young labour force.
On the goods side, Nigeria will remove tariffs on roughly 6,000 products. Approximately 60 percent will be eliminated immediately, with the remainder phased out over five years. These covered imports consist mainly of industrial inputs, capital goods and machinery intended to enhance domestic productive capacity. Nigeria’s Import Prohibition List will remain in force.
On services, the Agreement contains commitments on 99 specific services across 10 sectors. These include business services, communication, transport, financial services, construction, distribution, health, environment, recreational and sporting services, as well as tourism.
Government figures describe the CEPA as a strategic instrument for economic transformation. With substantial market access secured for value-added and manufactured goods, policy-makers expect Nigerian manufacturers to scale up production for export. Officials also note that the deal strengthens Nigeria’s role as a gateway for investors targeting the African Continental Free Trade Area and its 1.4 billion consumers.
There has been noticeable participation from UAE institutional investors, particularly First Abu Dhabi Bank, which has taken positions in infrastructure financing. This includes support for the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road, interpreted in Abuja as a sign of confidence in Nigeria’s reform programme and macroeconomic direction. Sky Capital has been active in supporting the CEPA arrangements and in presenting Nigeria as prepared for investment. Following the signing event, the Federal Government anticipates rapid movement on commercial transactions in agriculture, real estate, digital banking, retail and infrastructure financing.
The deal aligns with Nigeria’s commitments under the World Trade Organisation, the African Continental Free Trade Area and ECOWAS, according to the Ministry.
The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment will coordinate implementation with key ministries, departments and agencies including the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria.
Together, these bodies intend to provide businesses and investors with the information, support and facilitation they require to take early and full advantage of the Agreement in keeping with the President’s “Nigeria First” directive.
Dr Oduwole, speaking after the signing, expressed appreciation for the Nigerian negotiation team, including Lead Technical Advisers from FMITI and the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiation, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Ministry of Justice and other ministries, departments and agencies that contributed to the outcome. She also expressed gratitude to Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and the UAE negotiating team for what she described as a strong collaborative process.
Addressing the Nigerian private sector, Dr Oduwole called on businesses to identify the opportunities associated with enhanced market access and to proceed into the UAE market with confidence under the protections set out in the deal. She stated that the Agreement was negotiated with domestic enterprises in mind.
Officials say Nigeria is now signalling openness to global business, while Nigerian firms have gained structured access to the UAE, the wider Middle East and international markets.
