📰 Nigeria, UAE Sign Historic CEPA to Eliminate
Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have officially signed a landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a major bilateral trade deal that removes tariffs on thousands of products and paves the way for expanded trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the two nations.
The agreement was finalised in Abu Dhabi during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, with Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, signing the pact in the presence of President Bola Tinubu and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
📈 Tariff Removal and Trade Liberalisation
Under the CEPA, tariffs on more than 13,500 products traded between Nigeria and the UAE will be eliminated over a phased timeline, creating one of Nigeria’s most ambitious bilateral trade liberalisation efforts in recent history.
The UAE will eliminate tariffs on approximately 7,315 Nigerian products, granting expanded duty-free access to key export categories including agricultural produce, industrial and manufactured goods.
Nigeria will eliminate tariffs on about 6,243 UAE products, largely covering industrial inputs, machinery, and capital goods — many of which will be removed immediately, with the rest phased out over five years.
The pact includes immediate duty-free access for thousands of items, with other tariffs phased out progressively over the next three to five years, ensuring a smooth transition for businesses on both sides while maintaining protections for sensitive domestic sectors.
🌍 Economic and Strategic Impact
The CEPA is expected to significantly boost non-oil exports, strengthen trade volumes, and attract high-quality foreign direct investment (FDI) into Nigeria — particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, and technology sectors.
Officials said the agreement supports Nigeria’s broader economic diversification agenda under the Renewed Hope Agenda, positioning the country as a competitive gateway to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market.
🤝 Services and Mobility Gains
Beyond tariff elimination on goods, the CEPA also provides enhanced market access for services and professionals. Nigerian business visitors can stay in the UAE for up to 90 days per year, while intra-corporate transferees, including managers and specialists, are eligible for renewable three-year work arrangements.
The agreement covers commitments in 99 Nigerian service sectors and 108 UAE service sectors, spanning finance, transport, tourism, communications, and creative industries — opening new avenues for companies and professionals from both countries.
🏗️ Broader Cooperation and Investment
Officials highlighted that the CEPA also lays the groundwork for greater cooperation in logistics, infrastructure, technology, and climate-smart investment, strengthening supply chains and supporting sustainable development goals.
President Tinubu emphasised that the deal reflects a strategic repositioning of Nigeria’s trade policy, enhancing the business environment, encouraging job creation, and offering Emirati investors clearer pathways into Nigeria’s productive sectors.
