The Federal Government has announced the elimination of tariffs on 6,243 products imported from the UAE, while the UAE has removed tariffs on 7,315 Nigerian products, under the newly signed Nigeria–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The pact, signed on January 13, 2026, is aimed at expanding market access for Nigerian goods, businesses, and professionals while boosting bilateral investment flows.
Key Highlights of the Agreement
Immediate and phased tariff removal:
Nigeria will immediately remove tariffs on 3,949 products (63.3%), with 2,294 products phased out over five years. 123 products were excluded.
UAE will immediately eliminate tariffs on 2,805 products (38.3%), phase out 1,468 products within three years, and 3,042 products within five years. 593 products are excluded or prohibited.
Goods coverage:
UAE tariff elimination includes: fish and seafood, cereals, oil seeds, live animals, fruits, cocoa products (phased), mineral fuels, machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, apparel, furniture, footwear, and more.
UAE prohibitions: pork, narcotic substances, used tyres, asbestos-containing products.
Nigeria tariff elimination includes: mineral fuels, machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, iron and steel, plastics; phased removal on fish, fruits, vegetables, and apparel. 123 products excluded include meat, dairy, cocoa preparations, alcoholic beverages, certain vegetables, soaps, and cotton fabrics.
Services and investment:
Nigeria committed to 99 specific services across 10 sectors, while UAE committed to 108 services across 11 sectors.
Nigerian business visitors can enter the UAE, elish corporate entities, and explore trade and investment opportunities under the agreement.
Strategic Benefits
The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment emphasized that the CEPA:
Expands non-oil export opportunities and supports Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
Facilitates increased investment flows and job creation.
Strengthens Nigeria’s position as a gateway to ECOWAS and African Continental Free Trade Area markets.
Aligns with Nigeria’s obligations under the WTO, AfCFTA, and ECOWAS, without conflicting with existing regional trade commitments.
Implementation
The Federal Government will collaborate with agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, and Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission to ensure smooth implementation and enhance trade and investment flows. Exporters and investors are advised to consult the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment for guidance on product coverage, services, rules of origin, and export procedures.
Signatories:
Nigeria: Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole
UAE: Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi
Witnessed by: Presidents Bola Tinubu (Nigeria) and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (UAE)
Impact: The agreement marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s non-oil export drive, providing new avenues for trade, investment, and professional engagement with one of the Middle East’s largest economies.
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This agreement seems promising, but will it really benefit the everyday Nigerian? Lets wait and see. 🤔🇳🇬 #TradeTalks
Wow, this agreement sounds promising! But will it truly benefit both countries equally in the long run? Lets discuss!
Wow, this agreement sounds promising, but will it truly benefit everyday Nigerians in the long run? Lets keep an eye on it.
Im not convinced this agreement will benefit Nigeria in the long run. Are we selling out our local industries for short-term gains?
Im not convinced this agreement will benefit Nigeria in the long run. What about protecting local industries? Just a thought 🤔.