Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking a major milestone in bilateral economic relations between both countries.
The agreement, signed on January 13, 2026, in Abu Dhabi, is aimed at promoting tariff-free trade in goods and services, enhancing market access, and deepening investment and economic cooperation.
Under the CEPA framework, both countries committed to the elimination of tariffs on a wide range of traded goods, either immediately or through phased implementation timelines. The deal also expands access to over 100 service sectors, including professional services, logistics, transport, and business-related activities.
A key feature of the agreement is the inclusion of rules of origin, ensuring that only goods genuinely produced within Nigeria or the UAE benefit from preferential tariff treatment. This measure is designed to protect trade integrity and support domestic industries.
The partnership is expected to boost Nigerian exports, improve access to the UAE’s global logistics network, and attract increased foreign direct investment into key sectors of the Nigerian economy. The UAE, a major international trade hub, is seen as a strategic gateway for Nigerian businesses seeking entry into Middle Eastern, Asian, and European markets.
Government officials from both countries described the agreement as a significant step toward strengthening long-term economic ties and expanding private-sector participation. The CEPA aligns with Nigeria’s broader trade strategy under regional and continental frameworks such as ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The agreement was signed during high-level bilateral engagements held alongside Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, reflecting wider cooperation between Nigeria and the UAE in trade, investment, energy, and sustainable development.
