In a major boost for Nigerian businesses, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will eliminate tariffs on more than 7,000 Nigerian products under a newly signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment announced on Tuesday. The move is expected to create immediate opportunities for MSMEs, exporters, and value-added industries.
The agreement, forged after extensive negotiations, provides duty-free entry for key agricultural, seafood, and industrial goods into one of the world’s wealthiest markets. Speaking from Abu Dhabi, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, described CEPA as a “historic milestone in Nigeria’s trade relations,” highlighting the tangible benefits it delivers to businesses, professionals, and workers across the country.
“Immediately, our agricultural and industrial products, including fish and seafood, oil seeds, cereals, cotton, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, will enter the UAE market tariff-free,” Dr. Oduwole stated. She added that over the next three to five years, tariffs on additional categories such as machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, apparel, and furniture will also be eliminated.
The agreement creates a clear and competitive pathway for Nigerian goods into the UAE, incentivizing MSMEs and industrial exporters to scale production and expand into international markets. According to the minister, exporters of value-added products stand to benefit most, with immediate zero-tariff access providing a strong incentive for business growth.
Beyond tariffs, CEPA allows Nigerian firms to establish branches, subsidiaries, or corporate entities in the UAE, while business visitors can spend up to 90 days annually for trade exploration. Intra-corporate transferees, including managers and specialists, gain renewable three-year stays, further facilitating business operations and collaboration.
The agreement also addresses foreign direct investment hurdles, boosting investor confidence. UAE investors are now encouraged to invest in Nigeria’s productive sectors, supporting industrialization, transport, logistics, and the creation of quality jobs for the country’s youthful population. Early wins include UAE-backed infrastructure projects, such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road, facilitated by First Abu Dhabi Bank, while more deals are expected in agriculture, digital banking, real estate, retail, and infrastructure.
In return, Nigeria has committed to reducing tariffs on 6,000 UAE products 60 percent immediately, with the remainder phased over five years, focusing on industrial inputs and machinery to support domestic production. The agreement also maintains import prohibition lists while securing service commitments across 99 areas in 10 sectors, including business, finance, tourism, and health.
Dr. Oduwole described CEPA as a strategic instrument for diversifying Nigeria’s economy while securing significant market access for value-added and industrial goods. “This agreement incentivises Nigerian manufacturers to scale production for export and positions Nigeria as the AfCFTA gateway to 1.4 billion Africans,” she said.
Implementation will be led by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment in collaboration with key agencies, including the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), and Nigerian Customs Service (NCS). The ministry will provide guidance, support, and facilitation to help Nigerian businesses take full advantage of the opportunities secured.
The minister urged Nigerian exporters to act swiftly: “To the private sector: this agreement was negotiated for you. Identify your opportunities, leverage the enhanced market access, and expand into the UAE market with confidence. Nigeria is open for business.”
CEPA was signed alongside the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Nigeria and the UAE, witnessed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reinforcing bilateral trade and investment relations across key growth sectors.
With tariffs removed on thousands of products, Nigerian MSMEs, exporters, and industrial businesses now have a golden opportunity to scale operations, access global markets, and contribute significantly to economic diversification and job creation.
