CEPA Deal: Nigeria to Export Over 7,000 Products Duty-Free to UAE
Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates have reached a landmark economic accord following the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a move expected to significantly deepen bilateral trade, expand investment flows, and unlock new opportunities for Nigerian businesses, professionals, and workers.
PulseNets learned that the agreement followed months of intensive negotiations coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment under the leadership of the Honourable Minister and Nigeria’s Chief Negotiator, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole MFR. The pact prioritises improved market access for Nigerian goods and services, encourages high-quality foreign investment, and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda focused on economic diversification and sustainable growth.
What the Nigeria–UAE CEPA Means for Nigerian Exporters
Under the agreement, the UAE will remove tariffs on more than 7,000 product lines originating from Nigeria. PulseNets obtained that Nigerian agricultural and industrial exports—including fish and seafood, oil seeds, cereals, cotton, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and related products—will immediately gain duty-free access into the UAE market.
Over the next three to five years, tariffs on Nigerian machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, apparel, and furniture will also be phased out, providing manufacturers with a competitive route into one of the world’s most active commercial hubs.
In addition, Nigerian companies are now permitted to establish corporate entities, branches, and subsidiaries within the UAE. Business visitors from Nigeria can stay in the UAE for up to 90 days within a 12-month period to explore trade and investment prospects, while intra-corporate transferees—including managers, executives, and specialised professionals—can relocate under renewable three-year arrangements.
Boosting Nigeria’s Investment Climate
PulseNets reported that the CEPA directly addresses long-standing barriers to foreign direct investment in Nigeria. UAE investors now enjoy clearer regulatory assurances, strengthening confidence to invest in Nigeria’s productive sectors.
This development is expected to support industrialisation, improve transport and logistics connectivity, and generate quality employment opportunities for Nigeria’s growing youth population.
Nigeria’s Obligations Under the Agreement
On trade in goods, Nigeria has committed to eliminating tariffs on approximately 6,000 products. About 60 per cent of these tariffs will be removed immediately, with the remainder phased out over five years. These imports are largely industrial inputs, capital goods, and machinery designed to enhance Nigeria’s productive capacity. PulseNets learnt that Nigeria’s Import Prohibition List remains fully intact.
For trade in services, Nigeria’s commitments span 99 specific services across 10 sectors, including business services, communications, transport, financial services, construction, distribution, health, environmental services, recreation and sports, and tourism.
A Strategic Tool for Economic Diversification
Described by officials as a transformational instrument, the CEPA is positioned to accelerate Nigeria’s shift toward value-added production and export-led growth. With expanded access for industrial goods, Nigerian manufacturers are incentivised to scale production for global markets.
PulseNets obtained that the agreement further strengthens Nigeria’s position as a gateway for international investors seeking entry into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a market of over 1.4 billion people.
Nigeria has already seen growing engagement from UAE institutional investors, notably First Abu Dhabi Bank, particularly in infrastructure financing. This includes support for the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road project, widely viewed as a strong endorsement of Nigeria’s macroeconomic reforms. Sky Capital was also reported to have played a key role in supporting the CEPA process and projecting Nigeria’s investment readiness. The agreement is expected to fast-track deals across agriculture, real estate, digital banking, retail, and infrastructure financing.
Officials confirmed that the CEPA is fully aligned with Nigeria’s obligations under the World Trade Organisation (WTO), AfCFTA, and ECOWAS frameworks.
Focus on Swift Implementation
PulseNets learnt that the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment will work closely with key MDAs, including the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), to ensure seamless implementation.
The goal, officials said, is to equip Nigerian businesses and incoming investors with timely information, institutional support, and facilitation in line with President Tinubu’s “Nigeria First” directive.
In a statement issued in Abu Dhabi, Dr. Oduwole expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s negotiation team and partner institutions for their role in finalising the deal.
“This Agreement reflects the dedication and technical excellence of our negotiation team, including the FMITI/Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiation, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Ministry of Justice, and several other MDAs who worked tirelessly to deliver this milestone,” she said.
She added that coordinated implementation would ensure Nigerian businesses fully leverage the opportunities created by the CEPA.
“Our collective responsibility is to make sure Nigerian enterprises have the information, support, and facilitation required to take advantage of the access secured under this Agreement,” Oduwole noted.
The Minister also acknowledged the UAE delegation, led by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, for what she described as a productive and collaborative negotiation process.
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“To the Nigerian private sector, this Agreement was negotiated for you. I urge you to identify your opportunities, engage the UAE market with confidence, and utilise the protections we have secured,” she stated.
“Nigeria is open for business, and Nigerian businesses now enjoy expanded access to the UAE, the Middle East, and global markets,” Oduwole concluded.
