CEPA: Nigeria to export over 7,000 products duty-free to UAE under new trade deal

Nigeria has secured duty-free access for over 7,000 products to the United Arab Emirates under a newly signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a move expected to boost exports, attract investment, and support industrial growth.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi during the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, according to a statement by Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole who was also present. The UAE was represented by its Minister of Foreign Trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.

The statement said President Bola Tinubu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan were present at the signing.

Under the CEPA, Nigerian agricultural and industrial products, including fish and seafood, oil seeds, cereals, cotton, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, will immediately enter the UAE market duty-free. Tariffs on machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, apparel, and furniture will be phased out over the next three to five years.

According to Ms Oduwole, the agreement also allows Nigerian businesses to set up operations in the UAE through new corporate entities, branches, or subsidiaries.

Business visitors can enter the UAE for up to 90 days in 12 months to explore trade opportunities, while managers, executives, and specialists can relocate with their companies under renewable three-year arrangements.

Ms Oduwole said the CEPA prioritised market access for Nigerian goods and services, facilitated quality investment inflows, and advanced Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.

“To the Nigerian private sector: this Agreement was negotiated for you. I urge you to identify your opportunities with enhanced market access and move with confidence into the UAE market with the protections we have secured for you,” she said.

The CEPA is expected to address longstanding barriers to foreign direct investment in Nigeria, giving UAE investors greater clarity and confidence to invest in the country’s productive sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, and digital services.

Nigeria has already recorded interest from UAE institutional investors, including First Abu Dhabi Bank, particularly in infrastructure projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road.

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Under the agreement, Nigeria will also remove tariffs on about 6,000 products, mostly industrial inputs, capital goods, and machinery, with 60 per cent eliminated immediately and the rest phased out over five years.

The import prohibition list remains in effect. Nigeria’s commitments on services cover 99 areas across ten sectors, including transport, financial services, health, construction, tourism, and business services.

“This Agreement prioritises market access for Nigerian goods and services, supports investment inflows, and strengthens our industrialisation agenda,” the minister added.

The government said key agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, would ensure swift implementation and help Nigerian businesses fully leverage the new opportunities.

The CEPA aligns with Nigeria’s obligations under the World Trade Organisation, the African Continental Free Trade Area, and ECOWAS.