Nigeria–UAE Trade Pact Unlocks Tariff-Free Access For Exporters
By ALIYU AMINU ABUBAKAR ABDULLAHI (A. A. A. A.) SHEHU
TRADE AND MARKET ACCESS FOCUS
NIGERIA and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aimed at expanding trade, improving market access and attracting increased investment between both countries.
The agreement was signed in Abu Dhabi, according to a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, who led Nigeria’s negotiating team.
Oduwole said the deal would significantly improve access for Nigerian goods and services into the UAE market while boosting investor confidence in Nigeria’s economy. Under the agreement, the UAE will eliminate tariffs on more than 7,000 Nigerian products, including agricultural and industrial goods such as fish, cereals, cotton, chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
She added that other Nigerian exports would gain duty-free access to the UAE market within a phased period of up to five years, with some products entering tariff-free within 12 months. Nigerian companies will also be permitted to establish branches and subsidiaries in the UAE.
The minister said Nigerian business visitors would be allowed to stay in the UAE for up to 90 days annually, while managers and specialists could relocate under renewable three-year permits.
On Nigeria’s side, Oduwole disclosed that tariffs would be removed on about 6,000 imported products, largely industrial inputs, machinery and capital goods, while the country’s import prohibition list would remain unchanged.
She noted that the agreement covers 99 services across 10 sectors, including transport, construction, finance, tourism and communications, and complies with WTO, AfCFTA and ECOWAS trade rules.
