MINISTERIAL STATEMENT ON THE NIGERIA–UAE COMPREHENSIVE
ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT (CEPA)FMITI-Statement-on-the-Nigeria-UAE-CEPA.pdf​

Dr. Jumoke Oduwole MFR
Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and InvestmentFMITI-Statement-on-the-Nigeria-UAE-CEPA.pdf​

13 January 2026
Abu Dhabi

Introduction

Today marks a historic milestone in Nigeria's trade relations. The Federal Republic of Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates have signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that will transform economic ties between our two nations and deliver tangible benefits for Nigerian businesses, professionals, and workers.FMITI-Statement-on-the-Nigeria-UAE-CEPA.pdf​

This Agreement is the product of focused and determined negotiations led by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment under the direction of the Honourable Minister and Chief Negotiator for Nigeria, Dr Jumoke Oduwole MFR. It prioritises market access for Nigerian goods and services, facilitates quality investment inflows, and advances national economic diversification under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.FMITI-Statement-on-the-Nigeria-UAE-CEPA.pdf​

What the Agreement Delivers

For Nigerian exporters, the UAE will eliminate tariffs on over 7,000 products. Immediately, agricultural and industrial products – fish and seafood, oil seeds, cereals, cotton, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and more – will enter the UAE market duty free. Over the next three to five years, the UAE will eliminate tariffs on Nigerian machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, apparel, and furniture, giving Nigerian industrial exports a clear and competitive pathway into one of the world's most dynamic trading hubs.FMITI-Statement-on-the-Nigeria-UAE-CEPA.pdf​

In addition, Nigerian businesses can establish operations in the UAE through new corporate entities, branches and subsidiaries. Nigerian business visitors can enter the UAE for up to 90 days in a 12‑month period to explore trade and investment opportunities, while intra‑corporate transferees – managers, executives and specialists – can relocate with their corporate entities for renewable three‑year periods.FMITI-Statement-on-the-Nigeria-UAE-CEPA.pdf​

For Nigeria's investment climate, this Agreement addresses longstanding impediments to foreign direct investment. UAE investors now have clarity and confidence to invest in Nigeria's productive sectors, supporting industrialisation, enhancing transport and logistics connectivity, and contributing to the creation of quality jobs for the country’s youthful population.FMITI-Statement-on-the-Nigeria-UAE-CEPA.pdf​

Nigeria’s Commitments

For trade in goods, Nigeria will eliminate tariffs on around 6,000 products. Tariffs on around 60% of these products will be eliminated immediately, with the remainder phased out over five years, focusing on industrial inputs, capital goods and machinery that will strengthen Nigeria's productive capacity. Nigeria's Import Prohibition List remains in effect.FMITI-Statement-on-the-Nigeria-UAE-CEPA.pdf​

On trade in services, Nigeria’s commitments cover 99 specific services across 10 sectors, including business services, communication, transport, financial services, construction, distribution, health, environment, recreational/sporting, and tourism.FMITI-Statement-on-the-Nigeria-UAE-CEPA.pdf​

Strategic Importance

This CEPA is a strategic instrument for economic transformation. With significant market access secured for value‑added and industrial goods, the Agreement incentivises Nigerian manufacturers to scale production for export and positions Nigeria as the gateway for international investors seeking access to the African Continental Free Trade Area and its 1.4 billion people.FMITI-Statement-on-the-Nigeria-UAE-CEPA.pdf​

Nigeria has already recorded unprecedented participation from UAE institutional investors, including First Abu Dhabi Bank, particularly in infrastructure financing such as support for the construction of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road, signalling strong confidence in Nigeria’s macroeconomic trajectory and reform agenda. Sky Capital has been instrumental in supporting the CEPA and in projecting Nigeria’s investor readiness, with the signing of the Agreement expected to accelerate deals in agriculture, real estate, digital banking, retail and infrastructure financing.FMITI-Statement-on-the-Nigeria-UAE-CEPA.pdf​

The Agreement is fully consistent with Nigeria’s obligations under the World Trade Organization, the African Continental Free Trade Area and ECOWAS.FMITI-Statement-on-the-Nigeria-UAE-CEPA.pdf​

Implementation and Acknowledgements

The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, working with key MDAs such as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and FMITI agencies including the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) and the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), will ensure that Nigerian businesses and investors have the information, support and facilitation needed to take swift and full advantage of this Agreement in line with Mr President’s “Nigeria First” directive.FMITI-Statement-on-the-Nigeria-UAE-CEPA.pdf​

Appreciation is extended to the Nigerian negotiation team, including the Lead Technical Advisers, FMITI/Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiation, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Ministry of Justice and several other Ministries, Departments and Agencies that played a critical role in this milestone Agreement. Collectively, these institutions will ensure that Nigerian businesses are equipped with the necessary information, support and facilitation mechanisms required to fully leverage the opportunities created by this Agreement.FMITI-Statement-on-the-Nigeria-UAE-CEPA.pdf​

The Minister also appreciates Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, and the UAE negotiation team for their strong collaborative effort. To the Nigerian private sector, this Agreement was negotiated for you, and you are urged to identify opportunities from enhanced market access and move with confidence into the UAE market with the protections secured for you.FMITI-Statement-on-the-Nigeria-UAE-CEPA.pdf​

Nigeria is open for business, and Nigerian businesses now have open access to the UAE, the Middle East and the rest of the world.FMITI-Statement-on-the-Nigeria-UAE-CEPA.pdf​

Dr. Jumoke Oduwole MFR
Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment