Nigeria and UAE Forge New Economic Partnership with Landmark Trade Deal
President Bola Tinubu has heralded the signing of the Nigeria-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as a transformative development for the nation’s economy. The landmark agreement, signed on January 13, 2026, during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, establishes duty-free access for thousands of Nigerian products into the UAE market, marking a significant shift in bilateral relations.
The deal, formally signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and the UAE’s Minister of Foreign Trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, eliminates tariffs on over 7,000 products. President Tinubu emphasized that this move is a concrete benefit for Nigerian businesses, stating it will expand opportunities for exporters, manufacturers, and service providers. He further noted the agreement gives UAE investors greater confidence to back Nigeria’s productive economy, a sentiment that resonates as the **Reps constitute committee** to oversee various national economic initiatives.
Beyond immediate trade benefits, Tinubu framed the CEPA as a strategic instrument supporting Nigeria’s industrialisation and diversification agenda. He highlighted its role in strengthening Nigeria’s position as a primary gateway for trade and investment into Africa. This strategic engagement comes at a time when regional bodies are under scrutiny, not unlike when **Obi accuses ECOWAS** of certain policy shortcomings, underscoring the importance of measured international partnerships.
Under the specific terms, Nigeria will immediately eliminate tariffs on 3,949 products, representing 63.3% of covered goods. With 593 products excluded, the total number of liberalized items reaches 7,315. Furthermore, Nigerian businesses gain access to 108 service sectors in the UAE. Dr. Oduwole affirmed that CEPA provides Nigerian businesses with open access to the UAE, the Middle East, and beyond, a crucial expansion as global events, such as when a **Raphinha double stretches** a team’s lead in sports, capture international attention and market interest.
This agreement signifies a renewed and robust phase in Nigeria-UAE relations, with both nations committing to sustained economic dividends. The focus on tangible outcomes reflects the administration’s broader agenda, even as the nation addresses diverse challenges, from when **troops rescue 20** hostages in security operations to situations where **974 Nigerians face** repatriation from abroad. The CEPA stands as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s proactive economic diplomacy and trade liberalization efforts.
