Nigeria, UAE Sign Trade Agreement to Remove Tariffs on Thousands of Products

Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a major trade agreement aimed at removing tariffs on thousands of Nigerian products entering the UAE market, marking a significant step in strengthening economic ties between both countries.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu confirmed the development in a statement released on Tuesday, noting that the agreement was signed during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

Duty-Free Access for Nigerian Products

The agreement, officially known as the Nigeria–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), was signed alongside UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

According to President Tinubu, the deal will provide Nigerian exporters with expanded access to the UAE market while boosting investor confidence.

“This agreement opens duty-free access for thousands of Nigerian products into the UAE, expands opportunities for exporters, manufacturers, and service providers, and gives investors clearer confidence to support Nigeria’s productive economy,” the president said.

He added that the agreement aligns with Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic diversification goals, positioning the country as a key gateway for trade and investment into Africa.

Ministers Lead Negotiations

The president explained that the agreement was the outcome of sustained negotiations led by Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, and Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade.

President Tinubu praised both teams for successfully concluding the talks and expressed optimism that the renewed partnership would deliver long-term benefits to citizens of both nations.

What the Agreement Means for Nigeria

In a separate statement, Minister Oduwole disclosed that the UAE will remove tariffs on over 7,000 Nigerian products, significantly improving Nigeria’s export competitiveness.

Products Covered

She said agricultural and industrial goods that will enjoy duty-free access include:

• Fish and seafood

• Oil seeds

• Cereals

• Cotton

• Pharmaceuticals

• Chemicals

• Other manufactured goods

Additionally, tariffs on Nigerian exports such as machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, apparel, and furniture will be phased out over the next three to five years.

Business and Investment Opportunities

The agreement also allows Nigerian businesses to establish operations in the UAE through new companies, branches, or subsidiaries.

Business visitors from Nigeria will be able to stay in the UAE for up to 90 days within a 12-month period to explore trade and investment opportunities. Corporate executives, managers, and specialists may also relocate under renewable three-year arrangements.

Boost to Nigeria’s Investment Climate

Oduwole noted that the agreement removes longstanding barriers to foreign direct investment.

She explained that UAE investors now have greater certainty to invest in Nigeria’s productive sectors, which is expected to:

• Support industrial growth

• Improve transport and logistics

• Create quality employment opportunities, especially for young Nigerians

Nigeria’s Commitments Under the Deal

Under the trade agreement, Nigeria will eliminate tariffs on approximately 6,000 products imported from the UAE.

• About 60% of these tariffs will be removed immediately

• The remaining tariffs will be phased out over five years

• Imports will focus on industrial inputs, capital goods, and machinery

• Nigeria’s Import Prohibition List will remain unchanged

Trade in Services

Nigeria’s commitments also cover 99 service areas across 10 sectors, including:

• Business and professional services

• Communications

• Transportation

• Financial services

• Construction

• Health and environmental services

• Tourism and recreation

Implementation and Private Sector Focus

The minister assured that implementation will be swift, with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) working alongside key agencies such as:

• Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)

• Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC)

• Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC)

• Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)

She emphasized that the agreement was negotiated with the Nigerian private sector in mind.

“I urge Nigerian businesses to identify their opportunities and move confidently into the UAE market with the protections secured under this agreement,” Oduwole said.

She concluded by reaffirming that Nigeria is open for business, with expanded access not only to the UAE but also to the wider Middle East and global markets.